Latest News
Locked up – just in case
As the Justice Bill goes to the committee stage in parliament, support is growing for a thorough reform of the system of Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPP). The prime minister has announced an urgent review of the sentence and has promised to bring forward proposals in the autumn...
Teenage soldiers given right to discharge
Quakers have been central to a campaign that resulted in a change to government policy last week, as a minister announced that teenage soldiers will be given the right to discharge at any time before turning eighteen.
Saumur honours William Penn
William Penn was remembered in style in the French town of Saumur at the weekend.
Court-martial urged to dismiss case
A court-martial has been urged to dismiss the case against a naval medic who was accused of ‘disobedience’ after developing ethical objections to the war in Afghanistan. Michael Lyons appeared before a judge in Portsmouth on 20 May.
Quaker receives Blair Fellowship
A Quaker postgraduate student has been chosen as one of thirty people to receive a fellowship from the ‘Faith Acts’ programme run by the Tony Blair Faith Foundation.
Quaker elected confederal secretary of ETUC
A Quaker has been chosen as a confederal secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). Judith Kirton-Darling, a member of Brussels Meeting, was elected at ETUC’s congress in Athens on 18 May.
Marching truth to power
‘What Parliament does, the streets can undo,’ declared a sign fixed to a wheelchair on the Thames Embankment last week. The young woman in the wheelchair was part of a 5,000-strong crowd who had descended on central London from all corners of Britain to protest against the impact of...
Living wage campaign
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) are among signatories of a joint letter urging FTSE 100 companies to support the campaign for a living wage. The FairPensions organization has just launched ‘JustPay!’ – a campaign designed to increase awareness of the Living Wage and to campaign for a wider implementation of...
Right to conscientious objection not respected
A member of the royal navy who objects to the war in Afghanistan is facing imprisonment for ‘disobedience’. Michael Lyons will be court-martialed in Portsmouth on Friday 20 May.
Government urged to reduce income inequality
Over forty MPs from at least six parties have urged the government to promote policies that reduce income inequality.