Extinction Rebellion’s call for urgent climate action is a critical juncture for the future of humanity
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Your support makes all the difference.As a group of citizens, academics, educators and professional staff working in countries being profoundly damaged by climate breakdown we applaud the peaceful, creative and inclusive displays of determined protest and civil disobedience by Extinction Rebellion activists worldwide, in calling governments and big business to take urgent and radical action.
Without action, we will fail to control devastating temperature rises. Without action, we will continue to witness flooding, crop failure and the collapse of biodiversity. It is always the poorest and most marginalised that suffer the worst consequences, exacerbated by poor governance, social conflict and displacement. Without action, our work to eradicate poverty and achieve inclusive and genuinely sustainable development that leaves no one behind will be in vain.
This is a critical juncture in the future of humanity. We have a moral responsibility to stand up and be counted, hold businesses and governments to account and demand and inspire transformative change.
We support Extinction Rebellion’s three demands: that governments must tell the truth about the climate emergency; that governments must act now to halt biodiversity loss and achieve zero carbon emissions by 2025; and that the necessary transformation of economies across the world must be stewarded through processes of direct and inclusive democracy.
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Polling cards are a silly waste of paper
I picked up my polling card from the mantelpiece today and found my details all individually listed, showing my address. At the bottom, a line reads: “You do not need to take this card with you in order to vote.”
I’m not surprised we’ve got eco-warriors stomping all over London – good for them! What a costly, silly, utterly pointless waste of card, time and postage – recycled or otherwise!
Michael Cunliffe
Ilkley, West Yorkshire
Prince William’s visit to Christchurch brings light to the darkest of tragedies
Prince William’s visit to Al Noor mosque in Christchurch is inspirational. At a time when right wing populism has never been more flourishing, this visit will leave an indelible mark on communities still reeling from seemingly relentless grief, loss and pain.
The British royal family has always provided a sense of stability and continuity that spreads far beyond British shores. The reaction of Jacinda Ardern and New Zealanders in general have been extraordinary in their overwhelming outpouring of sympathy, solidarity, empathy, understanding, respect, bereavement towards Muslims. Ardern wore Hijab, visited mosques, consoled and pledged to offer succour to grieving families reeling from the impacts of bereavement and agony for years to come and reformed her country’s gun laws.
The Quran was recited in the parliament and Azan was read loudly and women wore Hijab as a sign of solidarity with Muslims. These examples should not only be taught in schools to our youngsters but emulated in our daily lives in the battle against the dark forces of evil and terror.
Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob
London NW2
Why all the sudden fuss about housing discrimination?
Shelter are campaigning about discrimination by estate agents, against benefit claimants. Quite rightly, but this has been going on for many years. Remember the no, dogs, among others? I have been highlighting this for over 30 years. Why no action until now?
It is against the Equality Act in 2010, albeit indirectly, as it predominantly discriminates again women, and disabled people. Estate agents also have other ways of doing it, such as by saying the property has been let.
Financial penalties seem the only way to force agents/landlords to behave.
Do renters agree? Answers on a postcard please!
Gary Martin
London E17
It’s time for Downing Street to play hardball with Nicola Sturgeon
So David Lidington, Theresa May’s deputy, has reconfirmed the Scottish parliament will not be given the power to hold an independence referendum by 2021.
Looking ahead, Nicola Sturgeon will aim for a nationalist majority in the 2021, to attempt to legitimise staging #indyref2 in perhaps 2021/2022. But if Downing Street really wants to play hard ball, it will insist pro-independence parties achieve at least 50 per cent of the vote – we have a nationalist majority now in Holyrood measured in MSPs but with only 47.1 per cent of votes. If the 2016 election had been an independence referendum, quite evidently Sturgeon would again have lost.
But if both a nationalist majority and 50 per cent plus vote for pro-independence parties materialises, Downing Street could reasonably determine #indyref2 isn’t held until early 2025 – within the next Holyrood term but also far enough off for some possible Brexit wins to emerge.
The SNP began renewed independence campaigning on Wednesday – this could mean Sturgeon will be focused on the constitution for the next six years, while continuing to neglect managing of our public services.
Martin Redfern
Edinburgh
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