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Called to account?
I have never seen Tony Blair looking so nervous. He appeared flustered and scared as I sat in the media room at the Iraq Inquiry, watching his interrogation on screens placed on the walls for the assembled journalists. The former prime minister had snuck in by a side door...
Campaigning to control ‘super’market powers
Friends are among the campaigners pressing politicians for action to rein in the power of supermarkets, with the aim of preventing global wage reductions and the destruction of small businesses. They are urging the government to appoint a supermarket ombudsman who could respond to allegations of abuse. Business secretary...
Army approach to London schools recruitment queried
Fresh concerns have been raised about military recruitment in schools, following evidence that poorer students are most likely to experience visits from the army. The news has fuelled worries about young people joining the armed forces because of limited employment opportunities. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and...
Government makes religious same-sex union pledge
The government will consider measures to give legal recognition to religious same-sex partnership ceremonies, following campaigning by Quakers and other groups. The commitment marks a significant shift from the government’s previous position. Until this week, they had maintained that no change was needed to the law on same-sex...
Activists call for end to Haitian debt
Campaigners across the world are calling for the total cancellation of all Haiti’s debts following the earthquake that has killed up to 200,000 people in the country. Christian Aid has launched a petition to the chancellor of the exchequer, Alistair Darling, urging him to push for full debt cancellation....
Brighton Friends to host Quaker tapestry in roadshow
Brighton Friends are gearing up for a major project, as the Quaker Tapestry holds its first roadshow visit to a Quaker Meeting house. The tapestry, which is housed in Kendal, usually visits a cathedral when it goes on tour each February, allowing it to be seen by over 10,000 visitors....
Christian groups aim to tackle poverty and homelessness
Insisting that ‘there is enough for all’, three Christian organisations have challenged prevailing economic ideas by encouraging people to share, exchange and re-use, in order to combat the hardships of the economic downturn. The call comes ahead of Poverty and Homelessness Action Week, due to begin on Saturday 30 January....
The importance of equality
Do you agree with Quaker Life central committee that equality is better dealt with from hearts and minds as a spiritual matter, rather than simply as a compliance matter, asked Richard Summers, general secretary of Quaker Life, as he introduced the subject of equality. Richard explained that Quakers were generally...
High Leigh flush with eco-friendly developments
Communicating the messages
‘Clear and simple go a long way’, explained Rachel Rees, head of Quaker communications and fundraising of Britain Yearly Meeting, explaining the role of Meeting for Sufferings as communicator and the important part to be played by representatives. Rachel emphasised the need for representatives to listen to the mood in...