EQUALITIES HOME PAGE:
EQUALITY, HUMAN RIGHTS, SOCIAL JUSTICE
LABOUR: Rebuilding Britain for the Many not the Few
The new political mainstream
Defining the new common sense
Speaking out for Democratic values and human rights
MAIDENHEAD LABOUR PARTY EQUALITIES TEAM
A better balance is something I’ve always been aiming for in my adult life. I’m Rona Noble, Women’s Officer for Maidenhead CLP, and am keen for us to have a Labour Government that will help women in policies that recognise their particular needs. For 35 years I taught in a boys’ comprehensive and had to cope with managing my workload and childcare. New ideas of flexible working would have made a real difference. I’m now retired and helping out with the care of my grandchildren. Labour understands that children need high quality care so the last Labour government introduced Sure Start centres. Many have now closed so leaving the most needy children and their parents without this support. I am in a community choir GleeClubUk and enjoy the friendship and fun from singing. I am also studying Italian and am enjoying the challenge. Activities like this should be available to all without cost. A Labour government will help us all to enjoy a better balance.
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I'm Sharon Bunce, I am disabled and am particularly interested in social attitudes around disability and ageing where I believe an overlap can exist. I am currently in the process of setting up a Berkshire dpac branch in Maidenhead and Windsor. I studied English Literature and Sociology at Reading University and then for an MA in analytic psychology at the Tavistock Institute in North London. I am now self-employed and previously worked for 12 years as an assessment officer for Windsor and Maidenhead social services in the disability/older people's team and the learning disability team. Me and my husband are Reading FC supporters and attend all their home and some away games. Both my parents were Irish and emigrated to the UK in the 50s. Being of Irish descent, a woman and disabled I am naturally drawn to the intersectional nature of equalities and the overlap of social groups; it is always interesting to see which characteristic might dominate at any given time! Jo Cox's observation that "we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us" is I believe always a poignant reminder that we are stronger together.
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WHY EQUALITIES? and HOW TO USE THESE PAGES: As the Maidenhead Labour Party (MLP) equalities our two main objectives are: 1) to raise the profile of social inequality and 2) to ensure that we do everything we can to build a socially inclusive local and national party. We endorse research which shows that due to negative, dehumanising social attitudes, many women and people from minority social groups are less likely to experience equality of opportunities in society. Women and people from minority social groups are more likely to face prejudice and discrimination in education, the job market, in health, social care and in politics. As a result many people endure social and material disadvantage and we will use our equalities pages to challenge these power imbalances. On each social group's homepage, we provide group-relevant advice, support and advocacy information, we work to play our part in raising inequality awareness by linking to topical media articles, research, and significant academic and government papers and we promote local, national and global cultural events. We recognise that many identify to both a majority and minority social group or several minority social groups simultaneously and so promote 'intersectional' Advocacy and Support Contacts, Research and Articles, News/Information, Noticeboard/Campaign/Events items, Opportunities and Culture on this equalities Home Page. Please use the buttons below to link to each social group's dedicated Homepage and our MLP Equalities Statement button to see how we will provide opportunities for all sections of our membership to be represented in our local and national Labour Party. See the Women's home page for our tribute to Jo Cox's continuing work WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR AN OFFICER TO REPRESENT THE FOLLOWING SOCIAL GROUP: BAME, SO PLEASE GET IN TOUCH VIA THE CONTACT FORM BELOW OR THE EMAIL ICON IF YOU ARE INTERESTED |
A Labour Government will put equalities centre stage to:
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Sexual harassment:
I am pleased to inform you of the launch of the Labour Party's new procedure for dealing with complaints of sexual harassment.
The Labour Party strives to provide a safe space for people to engage in campaigning and other political activity and maintains a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment.
As part of this commitment we are constantly seeking to improve our procedures and practices to ensure they are credible and robust.
Following a thorough review, involving a range of internal and external stakeholders, the NEC has agreed
a new Sexual Harassment Policy.
Jenny Formby, General Secretary Labour Party
I am pleased to inform you of the launch of the Labour Party's new procedure for dealing with complaints of sexual harassment.
The Labour Party strives to provide a safe space for people to engage in campaigning and other political activity and maintains a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment.
As part of this commitment we are constantly seeking to improve our procedures and practices to ensure they are credible and robust.
Following a thorough review, involving a range of internal and external stakeholders, the NEC has agreed
a new Sexual Harassment Policy.
Jenny Formby, General Secretary Labour Party
RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY:
Jeremy Corbyn
10 December at 07:47 · Seventy years ago today the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted.
The worldwide challenges to human rights are enormous. We remember the words of Martin Luther King: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Jeremy Corbyn
10 December at 07:47 · Seventy years ago today the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted.
The worldwide challenges to human rights are enormous. We remember the words of Martin Luther King: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
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HUMAN RIGHTS
visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission for support and advice What human rights are covered by the Act? The Act sets out your human rights in a series of ‘Articles’. Each Article deals with a different right. These are all taken from the European Convention of Human Rights and are commonly known as ‘the Convention Rights’: 1 . Article 2 Right to life 2 . Article 3 Freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment 3 . Article 4 Freedom from slavery and forced labour 4 . Article 5 Right to liberty and security 5 . Article 6 Right to a fair trial 6 . Article 7 No punishment without law 7 . Article 8 Respect for your private and family life, home and correspondence 8 . Article 9 Freedom of thought, belief and religion 9 . Article 10 Freedom of expression 10 . Article 11 Freedom of assembly and association 11 . Article 12 Right to marry and start a family 12 . Article 14 Protection from discrimination in respect of these rights and freedoms 13 . Protocol 1, Article 1 Right to peaceful enjoyment of your property 14 . Protocol 1, Article 2 Right to education 15 . Protocol 1, Article 3 Right to participate in free elections 16 . Protocol 13, Article 1 Abolition of the death penalty |
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published legal advice received from senior independent counsel Jason Coppel QC. The advice supports The EHRC's view that the Government’s plan in the EU (Withdrawal) Bill to exclude the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights does not live up to its promise that Brexit should not lead to a reduction in rights. Brexit and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: Equality and Human Rights Commission's concerns: 1. Less power to protect rights 2. Less flexibility to create new rights and reflect change 3. A lower level of protection for fundamental rights 4. Creating gaps in basic human rights 5. Losing the Charter principles 6. Legal uncertainty and confusion
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Theresa May to consider axeing Human Rights Act after Brexit, minister reveals
‘It is right that we wait until the process of leaving the EU concludes before considering the matter further’
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-human-rights-act-repeal-brexit-echr-commons-parliament-conservatives-a8734886.html
‘It is right that we wait until the process of leaving the EU concludes before considering the matter further’
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-human-rights-act-repeal-brexit-echr-commons-parliament-conservatives-a8734886.html
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BUILDING A REPRESENTATIVE PARLIAMENT
The Labour Party is committed to increasing the representation of women and under-represented groups in Parliament and at every level of politics Candidates selected: 2010 2015 2017 Male 69.7% 61.4% 59.5% Female 30.3% 38.6% 40.5% Asian 5.2% 6.5% 6.3% Black 1.0% 0.6% 1.6% Mixed 1.1% 1.0% 0.8% White British 88.7% 82.8% 68.7% White European 1.7% 1.6% 1.0% White Other 0.8% 1.3% 1.7% Other Ethnic Group/Not specified 0.3% 0.0% 0.6% Disability 1.6% 1.6% 4.6% LGBT N/A 4.5% 7.1% For more information, please contact equalities@labour.org.uk. Dawn Butler: It’s time our parties opened up about the political gender gap One of the simplest steps that could improve diversity in our politics is to enact Section 106 of the Equality Act 2010, which includes a requirement for parties to publish the demographic makeup of their election candidates, including how well they reflect BAME and disabled people |
LABOUR PARTY DEMOCRATIC REVIEW REPORT 2018
READ THE REPORT Labour’s democratic review is no stitch-up. It’s a grassroots turbo-boost Guardian: Rachel Shabi Exclusive: Jeremy Corbyn’s party reforms – in full LabourList: Sienna Rodgers Labour’s Democracy Review Backs Online Voting Plan To Give Jeremy Corbyn Supporters New Power Over Policy Move to transform local parties, policy and annual conference Huffpost: Paul Waugh Revealed: The full contents of Labour’s internal democracy review LabourList Nov 2017 |
SUPPORT, ADVOCACY AND ARTICLES:
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ADVICE/SUPPORT/ADVOCACY CONTACT:
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LEGISLATION/RESEARCH/ARTICLES/
INFORMATION
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LOCAL NEWS AND CAMPAIGNS:
POLLING PLACES REVIEW
We are disputing the veracity of relocating the Pinkneys Green North polling station from the community centre in Blenheim Road to the cricket club on the grounds that the route is inaccessible and unsafe.
All feedback questionnaires for 2nd consultation to be submitted by the 14th December.
See Disability Page for outcome of this campaign
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Police to crack down on hate crime as part of Hidden Harm campaign
An ongoing police campaign is cracking down on hate crime. Thames Valley Police (TVP) is stepping up its approach to tackling hate crime over the next two weeks as part of its larger ‘Hidden Harm’ campaign.
“They can happen anywhere, even online and can take many forms, including threats, intimidation, damage to property and physical attacks...
...A hate crime is any type of crime committed against a person that is motivated by their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity".
Those who are victims or witnesses of hate crime can speak to Victims First staff on 0300 1234 148.
Visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/news/general to find out more information about the campaign.
George Roberts, Maidenhead Advertiser, 10 Oct 2018
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NATIONAL HATE CRIME AWARENESS WEEK
POLLING PLACES REVIEW
We are disputing the veracity of relocating the Pinkneys Green North polling station from the community centre in Blenheim Road to the cricket club on the grounds that the route is inaccessible and unsafe.
All feedback questionnaires for 2nd consultation to be submitted by the 14th December.
See Disability Page for outcome of this campaign
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Police to crack down on hate crime as part of Hidden Harm campaign
An ongoing police campaign is cracking down on hate crime. Thames Valley Police (TVP) is stepping up its approach to tackling hate crime over the next two weeks as part of its larger ‘Hidden Harm’ campaign.
“They can happen anywhere, even online and can take many forms, including threats, intimidation, damage to property and physical attacks...
...A hate crime is any type of crime committed against a person that is motivated by their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity".
Those who are victims or witnesses of hate crime can speak to Victims First staff on 0300 1234 148.
Visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/news/general to find out more information about the campaign.
George Roberts, Maidenhead Advertiser, 10 Oct 2018
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NATIONAL HATE CRIME AWARENESS WEEK
INTERSECTIONAL NEWS, NOTICEBOARD/CAMPAIGNS, OPPORTUNITIES and INFORMATION:
CAMPAIGNS:
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COME AND JOIN US AT OUR STREET STALL TOMORROW 9TH MARCH AT 10 TIL 1 IN BETWEEN LLOYDS BANK AND COFFEE REPUBLIC, HIGH STREET, MAIDENHEAD
WE WILL BE RUNNING A SURVEY ASKING:
HOW WE CAN ACHIEVE A BETTER BALANCE A BETTER WORLD FROM OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES?
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The recent Labour women's conference discussed many issues that relate to our International Women's Day theme of Better the balance, better the world
Here are some of the topics that you may like to comment on:
Visit our new Facebook page: Labour Women Berks and Bucks: Better Balance Better World IWD 2019
COME AND JOIN US AT OUR STREET STALL TOMORROW 9TH MARCH AT 10 TIL 1 IN BETWEEN LLOYDS BANK AND COFFEE REPUBLIC, HIGH STREET, MAIDENHEAD
WE WILL BE RUNNING A SURVEY ASKING:
HOW WE CAN ACHIEVE A BETTER BALANCE A BETTER WORLD FROM OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES?
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The recent Labour women's conference discussed many issues that relate to our International Women's Day theme of Better the balance, better the world
Here are some of the topics that you may like to comment on:
- Women, BAME and disabled women in particular, have borne the brunt of austerity.
- Prevention and combatting violence, including domestic violence, by ratifying the 2012 Istanbul Convention.
- Support Northern Irish women's right to free, safe and legal abortion.
- Address sexism in schools - harassment,sexist language and stereotyping.
- End period poverty as 1 in 10 girls are unable to afford sanitary protection.
- Labour campaigns for social justice, greater equality, properly funded public services and tackling unequal pay for women.
Visit our new Facebook page: Labour Women Berks and Bucks: Better Balance Better World IWD 2019
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****Universal Credit Action Maidenhead**** Friday 30th November 11:00-15:00 Maidenhead Town Hall, St Ives Road, SL6 1RF https://www.facebook.com/events/192760848318367/ Hosted by Slough Momentum 
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UNIVERSAL CREDIT
Stand With Us We're calling on the Tories to urgently pause and fix Universal Credit. You can help us by signing the petition here
Maidenhead Council will support claimants of Universal Credit with applications and budgeting. You can visit the following website and or call this number to arrange an appointment 01628 796036 |
INTERSECTIONAL NEWS:
Unconscious bias: what is it and can it be eliminated?
Brought to prominence twenty years ago by a controversial test, the concept is now essential to our understanding of racism
Hannah Devlin Science correspondent @hannahdev Sun 2 Dec 2018 18.00 GMTLast modified on Mon 3 Dec 2018 11.10 GMT
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BIAS IN BRITAIN - GUARDIAN SERIES
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MPs launch probe into enforcement of Equality Act - HAVE YOUR SAY... Among the areas the women and equalities committee will focus on in its inquiry are how easy it is for people to understand and enforce their rights under the act; how well enforcement action works as a way of achieving widescale change; and the effectiveness of the equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, as an enforcement body Written evidence to the inquiry can be submitted through the committee’s website. The deadline for submissions is 5 October 2018 _______________________________________________ Penny Pepper celebrates Silent Witness for keeping the treatment some elderly and disabled people fear in the mainstream The Guardian Jan 2018 _____________________________________________________ Jessica Kellgren-Fozard experiences some hostility when people learn she has a disability but not when they learn she is gay The Guardian Jan 2018 _____________________________________________________ Inequality in Old Age: While older women suffer these inequalities more than men, people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds and some from LGBT backgrounds are also disproportionately disadvantaged The Guardian Dec 2018 _____________________________________________________ UK POVERTY 2017 -poverty rates increased to 16% for pensioners and 30% for children last year -POVERTY IN THE UK DEFINED BY THE JOSEPH ROWNTREE TRUST -Poverty = earning less than 60% of MIS adjusted for size and type of household -Minimum Income Standard (MIS) – the benchmark of minimum needs based on what members of the public think people need for a minimum socially acceptable standard of living and includes the cost of meeting needs - food, clothing, household bills, transport, and social and cultural participation. -Deprivation: a household with income below 60% of MIS is typically more than four times as likely to be deprived as someone at 100% of MIS or above. -2017 MIS figures: a single person now needs to earn £17,900 a year to reach MIS; a dual-earner couple with two children requiring childcare need to earn £20,400 each; lone parent with a preschool child must earn £25,900 Report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2017 |
Alan Milburn and team quit Social Mobility Commission “I have little hope of the current government making the progress I believe is necessary to bring about a fairer Britain,” The Guardian Dec 2017 _______________________________________________ INEQUALITY IN AUSTERITY: Jeremy Corbyn is leading a cross-party effort to force ministers to publish details of the impact of their policies broken down by gender, race, age, disability, class and region, after analysis showed women continue to bear the brunt of austerity The Guardian Nov 2017 _______________________________________________ WOMEN AND DISABLED AUSTERITY: EQUALITIES STUDY Equalities study carried out for Equalities and Human Rights Commission reveals disabled people, single parents and women are among the biggest losers under 7 years of austerity The Guardian Nov 2017 _____________________________________________________ BAME WOMEN POWER INEQUALITY Analysis by The Guardian and Operation Black Vote find that of the 1,049 most powerful people in Britain, just 36 are from ethnic minorities – and only seven of those are women The Guardian Sept 2017 |
CULTURE:
WRITERS, ACTIVITSTS AND ACADEMICS ON THEIR STAND-OUT MOMENTS OF INEQUALITY IN THEIR CHILDHOOD READING:
The Guardian Dec 3, 2017
The Guardian Dec 4, 2017
WRITERS, ACTIVITSTS AND ACADEMICS ON THEIR STAND-OUT MOMENTS OF INEQUALITY IN THEIR CHILDHOOD READING:
The Guardian Dec 3, 2017
The Guardian Dec 4, 2017
WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A CO-ORDINATOR TO REPRESENT FOLLOWING SOCIAL GROUP: BAME, SO PLEASE GET IN TOUCH VIA THE CONTACT FORM BELOW OR THE EMAIL ICON IF YOU ARE INTERESTED
Please get involved by using the contact form below with your feedback, ideas, and to tell me about anything you would like to see included.
Sharon Bunce, Equalities Officer
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Please use this contact box for comments and suggestions or send local, national and global articles/information/news/ research you would like to see included |
Privacy: we won't pass on your email address to anyone else See http://www.labour.org.uk/privacy