We seek transparency

So, yet another testing week in front of us, as I write we await confirmation of a date and time for consideration of our application for disclosure as part of the ongoing Judicial Review proceedings. As you might expect, we have asked for vital data that we believe will allow the Court to make a better informed judgement about our claim that it is unsafe to proceed to Share Sale of the CRC's.

There is a massive amount of work already underway in advance of the scheduled JR hearing on 10th December. This has obviously meant that a good number of the Officers and Officials have been engaged in analysing witness statements and compiling up to date information to assist our case, and I especially wanted to thank our activists who have been putting their shoulder to the wheel at short notice as we continue our collective push for justice.

It is difficult to describe the pressure that we have been under and the sheer volume of work involved and that’s just by us, let alone the Lawyers! We will get breaking news and further details to you at the earliest possible opportunity over the course of the next few days. Your National Executive Committee also meets this week where they will receive a confidential update on progress.

Some more good news about the need for respect

In advance of the expected announcements from the Government this week about making emotional abuse and coercive behaviour a Domestic Violence offence, comes welcome news that following a mass online campaign, the so called ‘pick-up artist’ Julien Blanc will be denied a UK Visa. Among those who were opposed to a ban came a bizarre suggestion that women should have bought out all the seats at his self styled ‘boot camps’ to simply turn up and laugh at him. It’s an interesting notion, with some obviously great potential for turning the table’s big time. Sadly, I have a horrible feeling that it would have been simply hijacked by the media in such a way as to make the essence of what this man is about, and the message of disrespect that he spreads, of secondary importance.

Another example of people power; in what will be seen by some as either a welcome sea change in attitude or downright censorship by others. Breaking news over the weekend that Tesco intends to introduce display stands that prevent the imagery on the front pages of newspapers and other publications from the eye line of young children, has started up a whole new debate.

Apparently the retail giant has consulted with itscustomers and campaigning groups such as ‘Child Eyes’ and ‘No more Page 3’ prior to making this move, which I for one support. I also hear from ‘Twitter feeds’ today that Marks and Spencer have announced that they are to move the tabloids up to the top shelf in their outlets.

If others follow their lead it may save me from complaining yet again to a supermarket duty manager somewhere to remove the ‘Lads Mags’ and similar grubby offerings from the low shelves next to the kiddies sweets when I am out with the Grandchildren.

Commendable steps in the right direction.