London Speaks Out Against Homophobic Hate Crime

Abi Mowbray

Thousands gathered for a candlelight vigil at Trafalgar Square last night to remember Ian Baynham who was fatally attacked there last month.

The 62year old civil servant is believed to have been the victim of a homophobic hate crime.

Baynham was attacked while out celebrating his new job at the Home Office on 25 September and later died of his injuries.

Attacks Increase

Last night’s crowd gathered to remember Ian and to show solidarity at a time when homophobic assaults are on the increase.

Recent figures show that homophobic crime in the capital has risen by almost a fifth.

But many believe the increase is the result of more victims of homophobic abuse coming forward.

Metropolitan Police Hate Crime Squad Officer, Kirsten Hearn said last night “If you experience hatred speak up about it, do not be silent because silence kills.”

The vigil received messages of support from all political parties with the exception of the BNP.

Gordon Brown applauded the homosexual community for having the courage to act and warned “homophobia breeds in silence…thank you for speaking out today.”

Education is key

But many believe that it is the silent issue of homosexuality in schools that allows homophobia to develop.

Green Party MP Darren Johnson noted the youth of Baynham’s alleged attackers. He said the issue of homosexuality in schools has not changed since he was in education 30 years ago.

The key to acceptance, Johnson said “is for children to be brought up in an atmosphere of tolerance and celebration of diversity. If we want to banish homophobia then lets start in schools.”

Comedian Stephen Amos also believes that youth is the future. In the closing speech of the evening he said “There are people behind us who are going to keep following us and keep doing the good work. We will not be silenced. We should not be afraid.”

BNP Protest Video

Clem Silverman captured these scenes outside the BBC, including an interview with a member of the Question Time audience, who did not want his face to be shown.

Click for the news article from the day.

London Met: Staff and students being punished for blunders at the top

By Amy Shead

It could mean the beginning of the end for London Metropolitan University. £36.5 million is the current sum that is owed back to the Higher Education Funding Council for England due to incorrect student data returns.

Around 550 job losses are to be expected so the money required can be found.  A spokesman for the University and College Union explained how he feels that “staff and students are being punished for blunders up the top” and University staff member Amir Soumeeh suggested how he felt that other things should be done to reduce the number of job losses.

He hinted that he believes the senior employees are earning astronomical amounts of money, and as the issue has stemmed from the management they should take pay cuts and reduce bonuses so that more jobs can be saved.

A joint union strike between UCU and UNISON took place last week as the management of the University failed to agree to negotiate with staff trade unions and withdraw redundancy notices that were to be issued with nursery staff.

The HEFCE are still set on recovering the funds that have been over paid across a five-year period. When suggested to them that it seems ironic that the government can find millions to bail out banks but not a University that enables access to higher education for some of the poorest students in the country – a spokesman replied:

‘”It would be unfair to the rest of the sector, we fund Universities on correct data”

Millions of ladybirds invade Britain

Ladybirds clustered in a house window today

By Amy Shead

An invasion of ladybirds is sweeping across the south east today. Many being spotted are the Harlequin variety, which are a potential threat to numerous insect species.

Many people this morning would have arisen to find the exterior of their houses swarmed by the insects, large numbers of which would have been gathered in between doorways and windows; a sight that can appear slightly unsettling.

“They tend to swarm at this time of year, they are seeking a place to spend the winter” said a spokesman from the Essex Wildlife Trust today.

A real threat

The harlequin ladybird seems to be dominating this invasion. Originating from Asia, and only colonising Britain for the past four years scientists suggest that it could be threatening more than one thousand native species. Those at threat include other insects, parasites and plants.  It is known as a voracious predator, even preying on the larvae of other ladybirds.

A harlequin ladybird

The Essex Wildlife Trust spokesman expressed his concern for the vast amounts of harlequin ladybirds being spotted.

“They are incredibly invasive and thought to be detrimental to native ladybirds”

This swarm is certainly quite the spectacle, something of which people should appreciate even though it does carry its deeper concerns.  Observing the sky, trees and thousands of buildings being decorated with small black and red beings is extraordinary, and a rare opportunity.

Trying to find somewhere to stay for the winter

BNP met with protests outside the BBC

Protests outside the BBC

A crowd stood outside the BBC’s front gates shouting anti-fascist slogans, and holding placards. Inside the studio, an audience member told Clem Silverman, that the panel had not done enough to expose Griffin’s views.

Over 500 protesters gathered outside television centre to meet Nick Griffin MEP, the head of the British National Party, who was appearing on BBC Question Time. 25 people managed to enter the reception area when the front gates were opened to let a car past, though it was mostly peaceful.

A section of the crowd tried to push back police, dressed in full riot gear, to gain access to the rear of the BBC where they suspected Mr Griffin would exit after the program has finished recording.

Spilling onto the high street.

The protesters lit flares and blocked the A4020 Uxbridge Road. It appeared that the police were prepared to use the ‘kettling‘ technique used at the G20 summit in London earlier this year.

Nick Griffin appeared on Question Time 22nd of October, which is availble on  BBC iPlayer.

A statement on the BNP website said that “Our violent opponents on the far left have promised to lay siege and barricade the studio venue, because they know only too well that this could be THE key moment that propels the BNP into the big time”.

The protest was organised to “voice the huge opposition” to Nick Griffin appearing on the “flagship politics program” BBC Question Time.

Sabby Dhalu

Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism, asked “would we have given a platform to Hitler?” during the 1930s, so why does the “broadcast media give the BNP a platform” from which to spout its fascist views?

She said that the BBC could be labeled right wing for not denouncing the BNP with the same vigour as the print media, including comments in the Daily Mail.

Ex-London Mayor and chair of Unite, Ken Livingstone, sent a press-release saying that ‘the public do not pay the license fee to have them abused be the BBC to spread hatred and intolerance’.

Some members of the crowd also took the opportunity to present a socialist -”the enemy is profit” – point of view.

Jim Kelly from Britain’s biggest Union Unite the Union said,

It’s important to oppose Griffin tonight because of what he stands for. I think the BBC are totally wrong on this one. After he speaks on here tonight there will be people like the English Defence League and other fascist groups that are going to go out on the back of this and attack ethnic minorities…it will stoke racial hatred and it’s the wrong descion

A member of the studio audience said after the filming that the other panelists had “all come prepared to attack Nick Griffin”, and that he did not stand up to scrutiny. However, he explained that those on the panel did not have a satisfactory answer as to why the BNP were gaining in popularity.

The BNP say that their policy on immigration is ‘reasonable, sensible, fair and just… which will guarantee that Britain remains British.’ The points of which will be discussed and broadcast on tonight’s Question Time programme.

See below for a video podcast of the interviews and scenes from the protest.

Hard Hitting Mental Health Video Causes a Stir

Mental health campaign group, Time To Change have launched a hard hitting video intended to change the public’s perception of mental illness.

The video begins with an introduction inspired by the thriller film Psycho. It then introduces a mentally ill patient with the caption “Schizo, he’s amongst us.” before showing him in a normal family environment.

Time To Change Communications Officer, Kate Stringer, said “the video has to be hard hitting to get people to stop and take notice.

“The term schizo is used in order to take a derogatory slang word and flip it on it’s head, to make people think.” Said Stringer.

Response

The video has received a mixed response from mental health sufferers.

Marian Moore, 67, was diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar 20 Years ago. Speaking at a mental health awareness event at Westminster University, she said “I didn’t like the video.

“It uses the word schizo as a marketing tool. They are trying to go as far as they can.” Said Moore.

Marian believes the answer to breaking down mental health barriers is for “more people to be prepared to talk about their experiences.”

Balancing needs

Stringer admits that though the film has received some criticism “We have had to balance that with a need to create an advert that gets people’s attention to something they don’t usually take notice of.”

With a recent public survey showing that one in eight people would not want a mental health sufferer living next door. The campaign tackles an issue described by Moore as “the last public taboo.”

MP Petitions For Local Businesses

By Nathan Rowden

Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather is starting a petition backing local businesses hit by weekend closures of the Jubilee Line.

Businesses in Brent are set to continue suffering the effects of the constant closing of the Jubilee Line on Weekends after it was announced that closures are to continue into 2010.

The petition appeals to have a seven day service on the Jubilee line.

Lib Dem MP Teather also requests that if the Jubilee line is not running then Metropolitan services should stop at stations Willesden Green and Neasden.

Ms. Teather’s representative Mathew Saunders said that the issue was reliant on “Public Pressure” and therefore they are “trying to collect as many signatures as possible”.

Willesden Green Station to continue to be shut on weekends into 2010

Local businesses are concerned with the extension of the deadline by Transport for London (TFL) and Tube Lines

Why the concern?

One newsagent owner Mr. Munir Mohamed claiming that due to the weekend closures his shop had been affected by “20% turnover” losses.

A local bakery owner who wishes to remain anonymous has also said that the closures are “not fair on businesses like us” and that they have had to “close the shop on Sunday and Saturday only half day working”.

It appears that trust has also been lost in the TFL.

Shop worker Mrs. Velma Dunne claiming that she is “not holding my breath” that works will be completed soon and Mr. Mohamed said that “you don’t believe them anymore”.

In response to Ms. Teather’s petition and the concern of local businesses, Benedict Pennington of the TFL has responded that “We understand entirely the frustration and disruption caused to passengers and businesses”.

Mr. Pennington also said that the TFL “are continuing to assess whether it is possible and affordable to stop Met line services at Willesden Green”.

London Citizens Given New Opportunity to Experience Vietnamese Culture

By Kate Ross

The Vietnamese Festival of Culture is currently showing in London for the first time, designed to bring Vietnamese arts and culture to the UK and strengthen the relationship between the countries.

In a speech for the opening night of the festival, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Hoang Trung Hai spoke of a “long trusted relationship” between the UK and Vietnam and said that they were “strong trading partners.”

Vietnamese dancers perform on the opening night

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Hoang Trung Hai at the opening night

Vietnamese Vice-Minister for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Tran Chien Thang, said: “This is our first event in the UK…to make the UK aware of Vietnamese culture.”

He said that he hoped that there would be similar festivals in Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle next year.

The festival includes music, song, dance, an art exhibition and three Vietnamese films. It is running in and around London’s South Kensington.

Lucy, a cross cultural trainer said: “I am genuinely interested in different cultures, through music, art and dance…Maybe after tonight I’ll book holidays to Vietnam.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said after the opening night that he had: “enjoyed it.”

Brent’s Local Businesses Threatened by Potential Tax Increase

A government body says that many of Brent’s local businesses can expect a decrease in their business rates tax.

Re-evaluation

The reduction will come from a re-evaluation of business’ ‘rateable value’. Determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), the rate helps define individual council tax and will come into effect in April 2010.

Potential increases

But Chairman of Brent’s Local Shop Keepers’ Association, Tony Antoniou, says most local shops are actually facing an increase.

Antoniou, runs a hair salon. His ratable value has increased by £3454. He believes many other businesses are in the same situation:

“So many small businesses have seen an increase. One place’s valuation has gone up from £21000 to £37000”

Struggling in recession

Wembley Park convenience store owner, Ziman Benjamin says “We are struggling to pay the current rates as it is (due to) a drop in trade during the recession”.

Benjamin's shop is already struggling in the recession

He says that any rates increase “will make life difficult for little retailers trying to support their families.”

Uncertainty

With many local shops struggling, the VOA’s Communication and Customer Insight Manager, Steven Perkins said “Nobody can say all rates will increase.”

This is because business tax is also controlled by a government multiplier, which makes sure business tax does not rise above the rate of inflation.

“Some (business rates) may stay the same and some may be reduced. 60% of businesses will see a decrease in their rates bill as a result of this revaluation.”

Antoniou argues, “The VOA may say some rates are going down but I haven’t heard of any.”

Some small retailers now fear they will be forced to close, leaving the area to the big chains.

Police are discussing new methods to tackle security issues at premieres

Police, private security firms and cinema managers were meeting at Leicester Square today to discuss new and existing methods to secure premiers.

Police officers did confirm that the meeting was taking place at the ODEON Leicester Square but could not release any details about it, as it was confidential.

ODEON Leicester Square

Kieren, General Assistant at the ODEON, expected that the security meeting might refer to soon to come premieres such as the Michael Jackson ‘This is it’ video release, or the Closing Night Gala of the British Film Festival showing ‘Nowhere Boy’.

ODEON, the biggest premiere venue in the centre hosts about fifteen high profile premieres a year with stars like George Clooney and Bill Murray on the red carpets.

During the two-weeks-long British Film Festival there are Gala Showings at the VUE cinema every evening.

VUE Manager Jasmine Ross

VUE Manager Jasmine Ross does not see any security issues.

“The British Film Festival is running smoothly, as we rely on the same security personnel who usually did the Festival for Odeon.”

Like its competitor, Leicester Square cinema VUE is mainly relying on private security firms to ensure safety, Ms Ross said.

 

Leicester Square – low crime level area

Patrolling policemen could not comment on how many officers are on duty during premieres. However, they pinpointed terrorism as the main threat the Leicester Square area is facing.

“We are just trying to deter it”, a Sergeant said who wanted to remain anonymous. Especially alcohol abuse makes people come up with “stupid ideas”.

“The crime level in the Leicester Square area is fairly low though”, he concluded.

Private security companies were not available to comment on the story.