Statement from the UCU NEC The vote to leave the EU

Statement from the UCU NEC The vote to leave the EU has created a political earthquake. The referendum was marred by disgraceful racism and scaremongering over immigration by figures on both sides of the official campaigns and of course by the tragic death of Jo Cox MP. However millions of people have voted to leave the EU as a direct result of years of austerity and economic decline. The UCU rejects any attempt to use the 'Leave' vote to impose further austerity measures. Post 16 education is already under attack, we will fight any attempt at further cuts as a result of the referendum. We will determinedly oppose any attempt by politicians to use the vote to restrict the rights of migrant workers and refugees and reaffirm our Congress commitment to supporting EU students and staff in UK institutions. On 5 July teachers will be striking against attacks on education and will be joined by our members in HE who have elected to strike on that day. We will mobilise as a union to back their strikes and protests on the day. We support the mobilisation called by the People's Assembly against austerity at the Tory Party conference on 2 October

Copyright © 2016 UCU London Retired Members Branch, All rights reserved. UCU London Retired Members Branch - members and supporters

Stop the persecution of Academics for Peace in Turkey/ Truth for Giulio Regeni

Stop the persecution of Academics for Peace in Turkey Solidarity with Chris Stephenson Chris Stephenson, trade unionist and lecturer at Istanbul’s Bilgi university, has been charged with possessing “propaganda for a terrorist organisation.” His trial starts on 23 June. The charge is serious and could result in a long prison sentence. Chris was central to organising one of the first trade union branches at a private university in the country. Send messages of solidarity to solidaritywithchrisstephenson@gmail.com for more details... Truth for Giulio Regeni Giulio Regeni's parents Paola and Claudio made a clear call on European governments to take action against Egypt when they met MEPs at the European parliament last week. more details... Vigil - London Sunday June 26, 12 noon, outside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, Westminster

Copyright © 2016 UCU London Retired Members Branch, All rights reserved.  UCU London Retired Members Branch - members and supporters  Stop the persecution of Academics for Peace in Turkey/ Truth for Giulio Regeni

Notes: Green Seniors meeting 31/6/2016

Notes: Green Seniors meeting 31/6/2016

1.  GS officers currently are Noel Lynch & Maureen Childs: Co-Chairs, Peter Murry: Blog Editor/Acting Secretary.

2.  GS has paid a £15 to the National Pensioners’’ Convention http://npcuk.org/

3.  Permissible level of savings for getting benefits (eg:  ESA) now cut to £10,000.

4.  Maureen attended 3D printing event: on 27th May 2016 at Fab Lab London. More details at https://www.fablabs.io/fablablondon

5.  Age UK event re  resources for Seniors 3/6/16 see http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

6.  Problems of finding affordable meeting venues in London noted, this affects several GP groups since Development House is no longer available.

7.  Digital divide: Age platform Europe see http://www.age-platform.eu/images/stories/EN/pdf_AGE-media-A4-final-2.pdf

8.  GS admin

a) Bank account needed, is there an ethical alternative to the Co-op? Treasurer needed.

b) Crowdfunder for GS (NL)

c)  Leaflet exists (more copies for conference)

9    GP Autumn Conference (2-4 September at the University of Birmingham (Edgbaston Campus)).

a)  Stall

b) Fringe

Possible topics

·       Digital divide/ digital training for Seniors

·       Are Seniors being excluded and what the Greens do to help? Topics mentioned in this connection included

·       Lack of Community Facilities, Public loos,

·       Economic contribution of Seniors (£61bn on some estimates, .4m workers aged 65+).Role of grandparent in child care.

·       Isolation(Social, economic, political)

·       Seniors blamed for their problems (eg ’the burden of dependency’).

·       Economics of care homes

·       Financial exploitation

Possible speakers: J.Lambert, D.Bates, C. Russell, M.Scheimann -

10) Next meeting 25/6/2016 meet at The Green Room11  Grand Arcade, High RoadNorth Finchley, London N12 0EH-