Tag: demonstration

More voices speak out against devastating EIJB funding cuts

EDINBURGH INTEGRATION JOINT BOARD PLANS TO END £4.5 million GRANTS TO 63 COMUNITY PROJECTS

SCOTTISH COUNCIL of VOLUNTARY ORGANIATIONS (SCVO)

SCVO response to proposal by Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to remove grant-funding from voluntary organisations:

Letter to Councillor Cammy Day, Leader of City of Edinburgh Council,

Professor John Connaghan OBE, Chair of NHS Lothian 

cc Pat Togher, Chief Officer EIJB

Proposal by Edinburgh Integrated Joint Board to remove grant-funding from voluntary organisations  

I am writing to add SCVO’s voice to the protests regarding the IJB’s proposal to withdraw funding in-year from charities and community groups. 37 of our members are impacted by this decision. 

The intention outlined in the board paper to take a more strategic and collaborative approach in the future has been totally undermined by the impact of reneging on this year’s grant funding.

Trust is a fragile thing, and it will take a long time to rebuild any sense that the council and the health board have an understanding of, or respect for, the voluntary organisations that do so much to support our communities.

When you look to build your strategic partnership in 2025, many of them simply won’t be there because they will have gone out of business. 

Far from saving money, this will generate significant costs to public services as people fall through the cracks, and the additional millions of pounds voluntary organisations bring in from trusts and foundations or the private sector through match funding and other fundraising activities will disappear. A truly strategic approach would be looking to maximise that income-generation, not cut it off. 

It appears that over 100 people who were already in a precarious enough position will lose their jobs. And the discretionary effort of hundreds more volunteers will be lost. 

It is evident that when money is tight, which I recognise it is, the council and the health board have retrenched and focused on short-term savings rather than the public good.

The table in the board paper which illustrates where the money could be “better spent” says it all – to the IJB, acute services matter more than prevention or early intervention. As well as being short-sighted ethically and financially, it flies in the face of all the evidence around what communities need and the rhetoric around person-centred services and prevention.  

I would urge you to intervene and stop the IJB making a decision everyone involved will regret. 

Yours sincerely,

Anna Fowlie
Chief Executive, SCVO

BIG HEARTS: “The value the charity sector brings to our local communities should never be in doubt.”

VOLUNTARY HEALTH SCOTLAND:

VHS Chief Executive @MistryTej has commented on the recent cuts being proposed by Edinburgh IJB.

What will it take for recognition of the crucial work the third sector are doing to reduce health inequalities?

#WEAREVITAL

VOLUNTEER EDINBURGH:

Along with the rest of the sector we are extremely concerned by the proposed early cessation of EIJB grant funding to 64 voluntary sector organisations.  As well as the loss of important services and the associated job losses, this will impact volunteering.

Volunteers are at the heart of the affected organisations, contributing 206,000 hours of support to people in the community worth over £2m. These volunteering opportunities are not only a lifeline to people they help support.

They also enable local people to be active in their communities, build confidence, develop skills, reduce isolation – all of which contribute to better health outcomes for volunteers themselves.

The impact of the loss of these volunteering opportunities cannot be understated.

LIVING RENT:

64 charities are at the risk of closure due to £4.5 million worth of proposed cuts. This will have devastating effects for tenants, for workers and for communities across Edinburgh.

Let’s defend our community centres, services & jobs.

Join us to say NO to Labour-led cuts!

SCOTT ARTHUR MP:

I have today (Wednesday) written to the Cheif (sic) Officer of the EIJB opposing the proposed cuts to the third sector in my constituency – I expressed my concerns in the strongest possible terms.

I support @cllrcammyday fully in his call for fair funding for Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Integration Joint Board meets TOMORROW (Friday 1 December) in the Dean of Guilds Room at The City Chambers at 10am.

The following organisations will make their case against the cuts at the meeting:

Papers for the meeting are below:

EIJB-Public reports pack 01112024Download

Victory for campaigners fighting to defend the right to protest

WILLIE BLACK CLEARED

ANTI-WAR campaigners won their own battle yesterday when the Procurator Fiscal dropped charges against North Edinburgh activist Willie Black.

Protesters celebrated outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court on the news that three charges of organising illegal protests had been dropped.

A victory for those campaigning to defend the Right to Protest.

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NOW WE RISE!

We’re joining the COP28 Global Day of Action in Edinburgh!

Let’s show that Scotland is united for action – to tackle the climate and nature crisis, secure sustainable jobs & a fairer, greener society.

Saturday, 9th December

Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Edinburgh

https://climatefringe.org/cop28-scotland

Divestment Day of Action

Climate campaigners in Edinburgh join national protests against fossil fuel investment

– Demonstration took place in Edinburgh yesterday (24 March) as part of UK-wide divestment day of action
– More than 30 groups across Britain joined “Divest from Crisis, invest in our future” events to call for an end to council investments in fossil fuels
– Climate campaigners highlight the Lothian and Falkirk Pension Funds’ investment in big polluters by staging a theatrical depiction of the love triangle between the Pension Funds, fossil fuel companies and green investments outside City Chambers

Climate justice campaigners from Edinburgh and Falkirk staged a theatrical demonstration outside Edinburgh City Chambers today (24 March) to call on the Lothian and Falkirk Pension Funds to stop investing in fossil fuels.

Local campaigners from Divest Lothian, Friends of the Earth Falkirk and Stop Rosebank staged a short period-costume drama, taking inspiration from Martin Scorsese’s classic film ‘The Age of Innocence’, to depict the love triangle between the Lothian and Falkirk pension funds, big polluters and green investments.

The Edinburgh protest is one of over 30 demonstrations taking place across the UK today as part of a “Divestment Day of Action” to urge councils, pension funds, and financial institutions to take action to address the crises of fuel poverty, climate breakdown, and energy security by removing investments from fossil fuels.

The Lothian Pension Fund, administered by the City of Edinburgh Council for the four Lothian councils, invests an estimated £229 million in fossil fuel companies which are driving climate breakdown, including BP, Shell, ExxonMobil and Equinor.

The Falkirk Pension Fund, which is run by Falkirk Council, invests an estimated £123 million in some of the world’s biggest polluters, including BP and Shell.

Joan Forehand, campaigner with Divest Lothian, said: “All paths to a livable and economically viable future start with ending the exploration for, and development of, new sources of fossil fuels and instead investing in the rapid development of clean energy.

“The last year has shown fossil fuel companies doubling down on further expansion of oil and gas whilst continuing to distract the public with greenwashing. All responsible investors have a part to play in recognising that they hold great power, via divesting, to signal to policymakers that these companies are on a path that is no longer morally or economically supportable.”

In 2022, both the City of Edinburgh Council and East Lothian Council passed motions calling on the Lothian Pension Fund to divest from fossil fuel companies, but the fund has not yet changed its policy.

Sally Clark, divestment campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The spiralling cost of living and the breakdown of the global climate are both symptoms of an unstable and unjust fossil fuel energy system that is devastating communities around the world.

“By continuing to invest in big polluters like BP and Shell, the Lothian and Falkirk Pension Funds are literally gambling with our futures. It’s time for both funds to end their investments in climate-wrecking fossil fuels and instead invest in warmer homes and renewable energy that can help ensure we have a liveable planet for future generations.”

Luke Henderson, Chair of Unison West Lothian Branch, said: “More and more public sector and private sector pension funds are making the switch to fossil free investments. The Lothian Pension Fund needs to catch up with them.

“Fossil fuel companies are not effectively responding to the fact that they need to move to renewable energy in the future and currently invest only a tiny fraction of their investments in green energy. History is littered with once dominant companies that did not respond to changes and who suddenly disappear.

“Companies like Olivetti refused to move from typewriters to computers or Kodak who refused to move to digital photography. We should switch our investments before it is too late and the fossil fuel companies stock value plummets.

“Furthermore, in the face of extraordinary economic challenges ahead, we need to reset and create a new economy that places the health of us all above the wealth of a few. Local government pension schemes can play a part in this by mobilising the money they move out of fossil fuels into socially useful investments in the local economy.”

Homeless Project Scotland to hold peaceful protest this morning

“It is said that the mark of a civilised society is how we treat our most vulnerable citizens; what does this say about our society?“

Homeless Project Scotland are holding a peaceful protest outside the Glasgow City Chambers in George Square this morning at 10:00 am.  

A spokesperson for the campaign group explained: “The aim of the peaceful protest is simply to demonstrate to elected members that Homeless Project Scotland’s call for a building will not be ignored. Our soup kitchens are now becoming a service operating 7 days per week and are attracting over 200 members on average. 

“We have asked Council Leader Susan Aitken and Scotland’s First Minister to bring our most vulnerable and those experiencing homelessness in doors to have warmth, care, compassion and nourishment that is essential to us all to survive. The time for talking is over. It is now the time to cut the keys. 

“We are hearing time after time from people on social media outlets that we are bringing people into the city centre, in actual fact it is the council.

“Since 2020 the council has had 4 Glasgow Hotels all located walking distance from our current unit under the Central Station Bridge and indeed, the removal of dinner from these accommodations is, among the cost of living and the COVID-19 pandemic, to a sharp incline. Poverty is now becoming the fastest spreading epidemic and we need action now. 

“Our peaceful assembly is welcome for everyone to come and partake in and is potentially going to the circuit Scotland’s Streets.

“Homelessness is not invisible, these are people, it is ridiculous that in this day and age that people are pushed to choose heat or eat. There is a tenfold increase in the number of service users we are seeing and a tenfold increase in the number of street outreach clients. 

“It is said that the mark of a civilised society is how we treat our most vulnerable citizens; what does this say about our society? “

There will be refreshments and a good old fashioned Scots Broth Soup for those in attendance.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

WE STRIKE TOGETHER: Demonstrations across Scotland

Striking workers, tenants, football supporters and campaigners are set to come together this Saturday to rally against the unprecedented attacks on working people.

Large numbers are expected to gather for the Enough is Enough campaign day of action, which will be held tomorrow (Saturday 1st October). .

A number of organisations are involved in organising the event including the CWU, RMT, Living Rent, Power to the People Glasgow, Glasgow Strike Solidarity group and Fans Supporting Foodbanks Scotland.

The campaign is encouraging people to show solidarity with striking workers on the picket line on Saturday morning – with particular emphasis on the RMT and ASLEF picket line at Glasgow Central and the CWU picket line at the Royal Mail delivery office on Baird Street.

Speakers at Glasgow’s 12 noon rally will include STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer, CWU National Assistant Secretary Davie Robertson, the RMT’s Scottish Organiser Gordon Martin and UNISON’s Kirsteen Fraser, who is currently involved in the industrial action at the University of Glasgow.

Representatives from Fans Supporting Foodbanks, Living Rent and Power to the People Glasgow will also be speaking at the Glasgow event.

Commenting ahead of the day of action, the CWU’s Regional Secretary for Scotland Craig Anderson said: “The Government’s disastrous budget last week has intensified the unprecedented attacks on working people’s living standards.

“For months teachers, nurses, firefighters and all other workers, including CWU members in Royal Mail, the Post Office and the BT Group, have been told that giving them a real pay rise would be inflationary. Well, now we know it’s the government handing out tax cuts to the super rich that is causing the real economic crisis for working people in this country.

“People are angry. Workers are striking back and working class people are taking to the streets to campaign against soaring energy bills and rip off rents. 

“Collective campaigning delivers victories for working people. Join us on Saturday, show solidarity with your posties, rail workers and all other workers taking action to defend living standards and tell the establishment – Enough is Enough.”

The Enough is Enough campaign is also supporting demonstrations in Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The details are:

Glasgow – Buchanan Street steps from 12noon onwards

Dundee – meeting at 12pm, 110 Blackness road, DD1 5PB

Aberdeen – meeting at 11am, Marischal college, AB10 1AB

Edinburgh – meeting at 10.30am, Waverley Bridge, EH1 1BQ

STUC: Scotland Demands A Pay Rise

March and Rally outside the Scottish Parliament

Thursday 8th September

Assemble 10:30am: Johnson Terrace, EH1 2PW March off: 11am

Rally at the Scottish Parliament 11.30 – 1pm

The Cost-of-Living Crisis is hitting people across the country. Public service workers in particular are facing a fresh set of real terms pay cuts on top of years of stagnating wages.

The STUC and our affiliated unions are campaigning for a range of urgent actions to stem this crisis, including action to reduce energy bills, support for those of all ages on benefits, rent caps and action to reduce transport costs.

The ultimate responsibility for the Cost-of-Living Crisis sits with the Tories at Westminster. However, this does not mean that the Scottish Government is powerless. It needs to start by funding inflation level pay rises for Scottish public service workers.

Join us, as we demand better for the public service workers of Scotland.

Campaigners to hold protest against war-profiteers in Edinburgh tomorrow

At 12pm tomorrow (Saturday 28 May), Edinburgh Campaign Against Arms Trade (Edinburgh CAAT), alongside several other groups, will be holding a demonstration outside the Leonardo offices on 2 Crewe Rd North. 

Leonardo is one of the world’s biggest arms companies and has a long and shameful history of arming and supporting human rights abusing regimes across the world. In 2021 it posted revenues of €14.1bn, which included a year-on-year net profit increase over 142%. 

It is one of the main manufacturers of the Typhoon jet that has been used by Saudi Arabian forces in the bombardment of Yemen. 

Likewise, the T-129 attack helicopter – which was jointly developed by Leonardo and Turkish Aerospace Industries – has been extensively used by Turkish forces in its military operations against Kurdish groups. 

Leonardo has provided arms and support for the Israeli government, despite the decades of abuses that it has inflicted on Palestinians. Only last month the company secured a $29 million contract to provide military helicopters to Israel. 

Protesters will gather for speeches and performances by the San-Ghanny choir, which has been to Palestine, and the ZarifAtToul dance troupe who will be teaching Palestinian dances. 

Melanie Scott, a spokesperson for Edinburgh CAAT, said: “Leonardo is one of the biggest arms companies in the world and has armed, supported and profited from human rights abuses around the world.

“It has backed dictatorships like the one in Saudi Arabia and fuelled repression against people in Palestine and beyond. 

“Despite its devastating global impact, a lot of people in Edinburgh pass Leonardo’s arms factory every day and are totally unaware of the weapons that are being made inside or who those weapons are being sold to.

“That is why we are bringing people together in unity to shine a light on Leonardo’s complicity in these abuses.”

Global Youth Climate Strike for the first time since COP26

FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE SCOTLAND – PEOPLE NOT PROFIT

This Friday (25/3/22), for the first time since COP26, young people will take to Scotland’s streets by striking from their schools, colleges and universities.

In November, over 35,000 young people marched in Glasgow to demand climate justice, setting the tone for the next day when 100,000 people from all over the world would do the same. This global climate strike will keep the pressure up on politicians to take action, instead of making empty promises.

This global strike will see more than 700 protests globally, with 8 strikes taking place in Scotland alone.

COP26 failed us – not that we ever expected it to deliver.

Across the globe, the planet burns while wealth and power grows yet more concentrated in the hands of the few. Decision makers sit back, choosing to not to protect people and planet but to exacerbate the climate crisis.

Young people all around the world are standing against this dereliction of duty.

On March 25th, we will demand our government’s put People Before Profit.

Cerys Gough, 18, from Langholm, said: ”The science is clear. We’ve already seen irreversible damage caused by the climate crisis, and the recent IPCC Report declared a Code Red situation.

“We cannot afford to delay anymore, which is why we’re taking to the streets again”.

Cora Gibson, 15, from Edinburgh, said: “We don’t need to wait for the next COP to act on the climate crisis.

“Governments could be investing in renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuels, improving public transport, making our houses less reliant on fossil fuels, and so much more.”

Saoi O’Connor, 19, from Glasgow, said: “The UK Government has subsidised over £13.6 billion into fossil fuel companies since the Paris Agreement was signed. In 2021, just 24 oil companies made £131.3 billion in profit.

“Meanwhile, people on the lowest incomes are being forced into fuel poverty, being forced into choosing between heating their homes or feeding their families. That is a complete failure, we must prioritise people over profit.”

Climate Strike Locations:

Edinburgh – 11am, Scottish Parliament to Edinburgh City Chambers
Glasgow – 12pm, George Square
Dumfries – 11am, Council Headquarters
Falkirk – 11am, Highstreet Bandstand
Inverness – 11am, Falcon Square
Stirling – 2pm, Town Centre, Port Street
Ullapool – 8:30am, Clocktower

Cost of Living Crisis: Join the protests!

Prices are rising but people are fighting back!

The cost of living crisis is going to cause hardship for millions of people. Huge rises in energy prices will see oil companies make vast profits whilst people struggle to heat their homes.

Protests will take place across the UK this weekend.

Speakers from lots of organisations making demands for a fairer society.

Join an event near you!

📅Sat 12 Feb 1pm

📍Glasgow: facebook.com/events/1545395552527681

📍Edinburgh: facebook.com/events/628238008287873