Campaigners In The News

A weekly compilation of what the UK’s leading campaigners are saying and doing.

We aim to cover as many campaigners as possible. If you feel we’re not covering a campaigner who should be included please contact citn@therightethos.co.uk with their name, job title and organisation.

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Edition  59

Feb 1, 2012

‘Excited delirium’ finding in custody death angers parents

Helen Shaw, co-director of the charity Inquest, which campaigns for justice in death
in custody cases, said: “Where the use of force may be a contributing …

Jan 31, 2012

The benefits of a civilised society

David Orr Chief executive, National Housing Federation Stephen Remington Chief … Citizens Advice Susan McPhee Acting chief executive, Citizens Advice …

Jan 31, 2012

Burying electricity pylons ‘cheaper than government claims’

The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) welcomed the report’s findings. Its deputy chief
executive, Ruth Chambers, said: “We welcome the report’s conclusion …

Jan 31, 2012

Jersey plans to ban vulture funds from using courts

Nick Dearden, Director of Jubilee Debt Campaign, said: “It is an important step
for Jersey to announce that it will introduce a law to crack down on the …

Jan 31, 2012

Indians are one of 100 uncontacted tribes in the world

Last year, Survival International wrote to SERNANP – Peru’s Ministry for Protected … Survival’s Director Stephen Corry said: ‘One year later these photos

Jan 31, 2012

Smokers’ group campaigns against plain packs

Forest said the campaign has already won support from Mark Littlewood, director-general of the Institute of Economic Affairs, Claire Fox, director of the …

Jan 30, 2012

Disability app designed by London terrorism survivor

The Leonard Cheshire Disability charity is already involved with another app … in the
past year,” said Guy Parckar, the organisation’s campaigns manager.

Jan 30, 2012

Lobbying official turned down reform meetings

Ms Walsh-Atkins has written to Peter Facey, the director of Unlock Democracy, to apologise, stating the tweet was not her “considered view”.

Jan 27,2012

Acevo chair: equality debate ‘must move on from bra-burning’

About 50 people gathered at BWB’s offices to hear panellists Beatbullying CEO Emma Jane Cross; Clore programme director Dame Mary Marsh; Jennifer Ogole,…

Jan 27, 2012

Gary Mckinnon: High Court judges try to speed up case

Shami Chakrabarti, director of human rights campaigners Liberty, said Mr McKinnon’s 10-years in limbo “shamed” the UK authorities and outraged the public.

Jan 27, 2012

Reports reveals third of NI households in mortgage debt

The debt charity, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, said households … Delroy
Corinaldi from the service said: “The vulnerability of many Northern …

Jan 27, 2012

116 people turned down honour from Queen in past three years

Maurice Frankel, who runs the Campaign for Freedom of Information, said: “This decision illustrates a key aspect of the FOI Act. The requester did not have …

Jan 26, 2012

Senior charity managers should be more involved in fundraising…

… “dirty secret” for many boards and chief executives in the voluntary sector,
according to Campbell Robb, chief executive of the housing charity Shelter.

Jan 26, 2012

Human rights laws are leaving Britain vulnerable to terrorists…

But the Refugee Council’s Donna Covey said: “The court has protected the rights of many UK residents.”

Jan 26, 2012

Dangerous deportation techniques may still be in use, MPs warn

Deborah Coles of Inquest, which represents the families of those that die in state
custody, said she welcomed the parliamentary recognition that restraint …

Jan 25, 2012

LONDON 2012 COMMISSIONER QUITS OVER BHOPAL FIRM SPONSOR DEAL

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, said: “Meredith Alexander has made
a brave and principled stand. She obviously shares our outrage at this …

Jan 25, 2012

Government loses solar panel appeal

Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins hailed the appeal ruling as a
“landmark judgment”. Mr Atkins said it “confirms that devastating …

Jan 25, 2012

Lords steps up revolt on welfare reforms

Anne Marie Carrie, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “No family living on,
or below, the breadline should have to sacrifice a single penny of child …

Jan 24, 2012

Duncan Smith in row with charity over the meaning of homelessness

But the charity Shelter insisted that was not its definition. Chief executive Campbell
Robb said: ‘The Secretary of State said that, according to Shelter, …

Jan 24, 2012

EU rewards Burma reforms by lifting some sanctions

But some observers believe Burma has not yet done enough to warrant sanctions being dropped. Mark Farmaner, of the Burma Campaign UK, said: “There have been …

Jan 23, 2012

Interpol accused of helping dictators catch innocent dissidents…

Campaign group Fair Trials International says that once a person is listed … Jago
Russell, chief executive of FTI, said: ‘The reason we are working on it …

Edition  58

Jan 20, 2012

MPs to debate sexual abstinence lessons bill

The British Humanist Association (BHA) said the bill had so far been supported
predominantly … However, Naomi Phillips, head of public affairs at the BHA, …

Jan 19, 2012

Disabled unity

… to listen to and support disabled people. Jaspal Dhani UK Disabled People’s
Council Steve Winyard Head of policy, RNIB Co-chairs, Hardest Hit coalition.

Jan 19, 2012

Solar subsidy cuts: government offers compromise

Andy Atkins, the executive director of Friends of the Earth – one of the three
parties to take legal action against the government over the cuts – said: “At …

Jan 19, 2012

Recall plan for MPs ‘deeply flawed’

Campaign group Unlock Democracy said the process being proposed had nothing in … is actually a disciplinary code for MPs,” its director Peter Facey said. …

Jan 19, 2012

Radical cleric Abu Qatada cannot be deported from UK, judges rule

Shami Chakrabarti, Director of human rights organisation Liberty, said: “The court found that torture and evidence obtained that way is widespread in that country. “So it is clear
that if Abu Qatada is to be tried for terrorism, this should happen in a …

Jan 19, 2012

Green policies are costing Britons the earth

By Ruth Porter Rather predictably, Ed Miliband blamed the cuts for making life … A
recent report by the Institute  of Economic Affairs pointed out: “The …

Jan 19, 2012

Millions cutting back on heating or eating to keep a roof over …

Shelter chief executive Campbell Robb said: “These staggering findings show the tough
choices facing families. “Every two minutes, somebody in our nation …

Jan 19, 2012

One in five choosing to die in their own homes as figures reach …

Mike Hobday, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: ‘We believe that everyone has the
right to die in an appropriate care setting of their choice and so it is …

Jan 18, 2012

How the Boris Island airport would impact Thames estuary wildlife

… ever will ring hollow if he gives the green light to a huge expansion in air
travel,” said Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth’s executive director.

Jan 18, 2012

Hundreds of Corrie viewers complain about shocking smack scene as …

Staff from children’s charity the NSPCC have said they are glad the show’s producers have raised the debate. Spokesman Phillip Noyes told Mail Online: ‘We

Jan 18, 2012

Employment minister not keen to address payment concerns on Work …

NCVO’s deputy chief executive, Ben Kernighan told civilsociety.co.uk that the meeting
was a mixed picture. Grayling, he said, had agreed to do some thinking …

Jan 17, 2012

Gay Marriage Plans: Cameron Could Face ‘Biggest Ever Rebellion’

Head of gay rights organisation Stonewall Ben Summerskill accused the party of
“old-fashioned homophobia” in opposing the plans.

Jan 17, 2012

Chris Addison

Why do you describe Shami Chakrabarti, director of civil liberties group Liberty, as a ‘histrionic moron’? That bit’s gone now because the joke wasn’t …

Jan 17, 2012

More abuse victims being groomed online, says Barnardo’s

However Barnardo’s says public service budget cuts are in danger of affecting services
to protect victims. Anne Marie Carrie, Barnardo’s chief executive, …

Jan 17, 2012

Giraffe gunned down for family holiday fun

Joe Duckworth, of The League Against Cruel Sports, said: “It is immensely
selfish to kill these animals. “It beggars belief some people find it acceptable …

 

Edition  57

Dec 15, 2011

2011: A Year Of Protests

Anna Bird, acting chief executive said: ‘Women have not faced a greater threat … The Fawcett Society weren’t the only ones going protest retro this year …

Dec 15, 2011

Badger cull gets go-ahead with Olympic-sized police operation

Joe Duckworth, the chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, added: “The Government has failed to act appropriately on this issue and in doing so …

Dec 14, 2011

Elderly cancer victims ‘failed by NHS ageism’ with patients …

Macmillan Cancer Support estimates that up to 15000 patients over 75 are dying prematurely … Mike Hobday, director of policy and research at the charity, …

Dec 13, 2011

Child poverty ‘to rise for years,’ says social mobility advisor …

Anne Marie Carrie, Barnardo’s chief executive, said: “The scandal of child poverty in this country will only be tackled with a strategy that focuses both on …

Dec 13, 2011

Effective public campaigning for rapidly changing times

Earlier this year Shelter’s chief executive, Campbell Robb, predicted that “it may be public discontent rather than public involvement which makes this …

Dec 12, 2011

Parents of disabled children furious at cuts to allowances

But David Congdon, of the learning disability charity Mencap, said: “There is a lot of anger and incredulity about this because it is not a matter of …

Dec 11, 2011

Video – Reaction to climate deal

Following the deal to push for a new climate treaty, saving the latest round of United Nations climate talks from the brink of collapse, Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth expressed his reservations. He said: “There is a very big …

Dec 9, 2011

Homeless households increase by 13%

Jacqui McCluskey, director of policy for Homeless Link, said: “As a result of the recession, cuts and the high cost of living, the number of homeless people …

Dec 8, 2011

Gay charity accuses Met police as homophobic attacks increase

Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, said: “We have not seen cases like this for some time, for several years. People have a real sense that …

Edition  56

Nov 22, 2011

Egypt Protests – Army Accused Of Horrific Crimes Against Women

Director of Amnesty International UK, Kate Allen, told Today on BBC Radio 4 that 12000 people have been put through military tribunals and thirteen people …

£400million Government fund to build 16000 new homes dismissed as …

Housing charity Shelter said 250000 homes a year needed to be built in the next 10 years to meet demand. Chief executive Campbell Robb said: “It does almost ..

Demand for funds to banish Aids forever

… end mother-to-child transmission by 2015, there is doubt about whether countries
signing up to the declaration will keep their promises. Adrian Lovett …

Nov 21, 2011

Sacked League Against Cruel Sports worker held in fraud probe

The former head of campaigns and communications at the League Against Cruel Sports
has been arrested on suspicion of fraud. Steve Taylor, 35, was sacked by ….

Private security firm G4S issues prison work guidance

Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at The Howard League for Penal Reform, said
“getting prisoners off of their bunks and into employment” was an …

Islington and Richmond top London Borough league table for good food

Kath Dalmeny, policy director of Sustain, an alliance of food and farming organisations, added: “This is the first time that such a thorough audit has been .

 

Nov 20, 2011

Stroke victims far more likely to die if sent to hospitals outside …

Joe Korner, from the Stroke Association, said: “The disparities across the
country really concern us. “The dramatic improvements in London came about …

Nov 19, 2011

Maura Gillespie Im Not Scaremongering … – Huffington Post UK

Maura Gillespie. British Heart Foundation Head of Policy and Advocacy … Well the UK’s
government and food industry certainly have a role to play …

Brazil indigenous Guarani leader Nisio Gomes killed

… group Survival International, which campaigns for indigenous rights. … until
they’ve eradicated the Guarani,” Survival’s director Stephen Corry said….

High Court ruling leaves disabled at risk

And he said it was “regrettable” that Mencap had launched legal action. Mencap’s head of campaigns and policy David Congdon said: “This is a bad day for …

Nov 18, 2011

Demonstrating is not a crime

… Green party Mark Serwotka General secretary, PCS Union Dr David Hall-Matthews Chair, Social Liberal Forum Deborah Doane World Development Movement John …

The rubber gloves are on: marchers to fight for women’s rights …

But, in a week when the number of women out of work across the country hit a 23-year high of 1.09 million, Fawcett’s acting chief executive, Anna Bird, …