The EDL (English Defence League) came and they left our City, admittedly this time with smaller and much organised self policed protest than in previous years.


An estimated 400 demonstrators gathered at Bar Risa prior to moving down to Centenary Square, this time not breaking away, held their protest and got on their coaches and off they went.


On the other side of Paradise Forum in Chamberlain Square some at times 300 people gathered for the UAF (United Against Facism) counter demonstration. Following a an initial issue concerning Police barriers the spirit of cooperation for the rest of the day was set with the Police with the public being placed with less inconvenience with not only the Library of Birmingham Being open on one side, but, the. Museum and Art Gallery, being fully operational on the other.


Clearly, the fact that there was full dialogue with the Police all Organisors and community Observers, it showed that we in Birmingham can all work together and not allow this type of protest to bring a great City to a stand still.

Therefore, this is a clear victory for common sense and the people and authorities of Birmingham, by not allowing the EDL to have any major effect on our Saturday in Birmingham, which was able to continue life in Centenary Square with the Cancer research event.

However, as a City we must lobby our Members of Parliament in order that they ensure legislation is put in place giving our local Council the authority be ban demonstrations that promote any type of hate issue. We must unite and stand up for the great diversity of Birmingham as we and all of our parents have contributed to this City.

Unfortunately, yet again this has led to pressure on local funds and resources at these times of cuts and austerity, which is totally unsatisfactory as it has an impact on the less fortunate.

Furthermore, the people of Ladywood Ward yet again having to put up with this type of demonstration in the back yard, is totally unacceptable.

Start writing to your MP’s demanding that they act, after all, there is a General Election in May of next year, hence, time for action.

Reports from West Midlands Police have indicated a total of 10 arrests, with 9 being from EDL attendees.

Despite the obvious tension raised by this, in the end we showed our resilience and Unity in dealing with this unwanted visit...

 

Desmond Jaddoo

We have heard of the postcode lottery when it comes to health inequality based on geographical location in Birmingham whereby if you travel from Lozells across the City to Sutton Coldfield, there is a difference in life expectancy of some 13 years.

In the African and Caribbean Community we are aware that there is a large issue with Diabetes, Hypertension and Mental health. However, there is an emerging phenomenon with Prostate Cancer which is a major killer.

Black men are now being affected with prostate cancer as early as 40 years old and research has shown that 1 in 4 black men will suffer from prostate cancer, which is double the risk 1 in 8 risks of all men in the UK. One doesn’t have to mention if this is not caught at an early stage it could ultimately lead to an untimely death in many cases.

It is important that men do get checked by their GP at 40 and ensures they have regular checks. This will initially in many cases involve at least a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test and also a Digital Rectal examination, no matter how uncomfortable it could be life saving.

There are a lot more options available should this be caught at an early stage in comparison to being caught when it too late and fatal.

There are various awareness programmes and this ongoing one is being launch during Black History month focussing of Prostate Cancer, Blood Pressure and Diabetes, On Friday 24th October 2014 at New Jerusalem Church 6 Rocky Lane Aston Birmingham B6 5RQ at 6.30pm. It is a free and open event to all, with health professionals and community workers. There will also be a free buffet after the session. You can register for this free event at eventbrite.co.uk referring to Man taking Control.

This is a serious issue that we have to ensure that there is a distinct level of pro-activity with this ever increasing health inequality and men must take control of their health, otherwise mothers will lose their sons, wives lose their husbands, children lose their father and the list may continue. Time to act and don’t leave it until it’s too late.

Desmond Jaddoo
www.desjaddoo.org.uk
desjaddoo@hotmail.co.uk

Many are now calling for the age of being eligible to vote to be lowered to the age of 16.

However, one could say is this a wise move when at election it is a fact that a substantial number of people under the age of 25 do not vote, and indeed there are turnouts at some elections as low as 10% as demonstrated in the recent West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner By-Election. Taking this into consideration is there an argument that this could only seek to add to the ever increasing issue of mass disaffection.

Furthermore, in many cases many are unable to name their Local councillors or their MPs, yet alone have an understanding of the system of Governance in the UK.

At 16, you can choose to continue our education, have sex legally, work and pay taxes, even get married, however, you cannot drive until your 17 and indeed not sign legally binding documents such as credit agreements until 18. Just to complicate matters further, I expect.

However, it is important to engage young people into the Political/Governance process both locally and nationally. However, this in my opinion cannot be done by just lowering the age of eligibility to vote, but, needs to be placed on the school curriculum.

In my opinion Year 5/6 needs to have a basic overview of the political system in the UK, locally with their Council and nationally with Parliament.

Followed by a more comprehensive course during Year 9 in order to open their minds.

This can off course be ongoing, however, this clearly needs to be placed on the agenda.

However, prior to any decisions being made, it will be important to have open and meaningful dialogue with 16-18 years olds as oppose to a political decision being made in isolation, as once again history has shown that this would only go to fuel disaffection further.

We want to hear from you in our next edition, therefore 16-18 years olds, please get in touch with your views and comments. Therefore feel free to email me desjaddoo@hotmail.co.uk .



Desmond Jaddoo

It was interested to see the main focus of the Scottish referendum was no to independence, hence a victory for the “Better Together Campaign” being 55 % to 45% for the YES Campaign.

However, I my view the real result was a demand for change from the people of Scotland. If one takes into consideration that this referendum captured the imagined of many including young people to such an extent that voter registration in Scotland increased to such an extent whereby 97% of the eligible population were registered. In addition to this a unimaginable turnout of some 85% of the electorate although some may say that that 15% stay at home voters were significant number, the fact still remains that follow the panic campaigning and at times negative publicity surrounding the referendum the demand for change was to most loud voice that still unifies the people of Scotland.

In this case, it is a breathe of fresh air that the Government and indeed Political Parties have recognised this, with the proposed new powers to Scotland, however, not just that also the consideration of devolution within England and indeed the debate that English MPs only vote on English issues. However, this does create an issue politically for the Labour Party as during any English only vote it would effect them the most as they currently have 40 out of the 59 Scottish MPs.

This has also fuelled the argument of regional control of power within England, however, one must remember that there was significant proposed devolution with the rejected elected Mayor for Birmingham, which there is a school of thought now for a regional assembly for Greater Birmingham instead, which one could argue is a re-establishment of West Midlands County Council, which was abolished by the Tories in the early 1980s.

Indeed no matter the result one can see the essential role that the public has to play in the electoral process, however, clearly there has to be a more modern approach to politics in the UK in order to not only engage the majority of the public that make up those who are disaffected but more importantly maintaining that engagement.

The main message from Scotland has been the people have spoken, they have indicated the fact that they change and the Political Powers have not only noted this, but, one could speculate been forced to act upon it.

Let’s see how this develops especially in the year of a General Election.

Desmond Jaddoo
www.desjaddoo.org.uk
desjaddoo@hotmail.co.uk