Brighton and Hove City Council Green councillors call on City Council to publicly oppose the Immigration Bill currently being debated in Parliament.
The Green motion will be discussed at full Council this Thursday at Brighton Town Hall.
The Immigration Bill is being driven by the Conservative national government, in its stated intention to create a “hostile environment” for people without legal status to reside in the UK.
If passed into law, asylum seekers will be deported before having a chance to appeal the decision, while police and immigration officers will gain a raft of draconian new powers with limited oversight. Landlords who rent property to those without legal status will also face criminal prosecution.
The Bill has been widely criticised by human rights organisations and legal professionals, as it is expected to increase human rights abuses and discrimination both for asylum seekers and those with legal right to live in the UK.
The Children’s Society has said the new law will increase the risk of “exploitation and abuse” of children from failed asylum seeking families.
The Immigration Law Practitioners Association says of this bill:“The overall impression as the Bill emerges from the House of Commons is one of haste: proposals not fully thought through or developed; inadequate evaluation, and drafting that is struggling to keep up”.
Cllr Leo Littman
Green Councillor and spokesperson on Communities and Equalities, Leo Littman, said: “If passed into law, this bill would be a devastating blow to desperate families fleeing persecution. It is the inhumane and callous product of a national government that has little regard for its citizens or those seeking sanctuary amongst them.
“Not only is this bill immoral, countless briefings and submissions by legal experts and refugee groups show how it will not have the effects the government intends. It will drive families who have been refused asylum underground, and plunge children and families into destitution. Meanwhile even those with legal right to live in the UK will face discrimination if they “seem foreign”.
“This bill would also have a damaging impact on local authorities, driving up costs and threatening to interfere with their ability and legal duty to protect vulnerable children. Above all, it goes completely against our status as a City of Sanctuary and the diverse and rich culture we wish to maintain. That’s why we are asking councillors from all parties to join us in calling for this bill to be rejected in Parliament and sent back to the drawing board”.
City to stage new triathlon event in September 2016.
The first Brighton & Hove Triathlon will take place on Sunday, September 11 and is based mainly on Hove Lawns. A sea swim will be followed by cycling along nearby closed roads before the final run stage takes place on Hove Promenade and Lawns with the city’s iconic views as a backdrop.
Registration is now open and the event has a maximum of 1,500 places with categories for elite athletes, experienced, intermediate and new participants.
The triathlon was given the go ahead by councillors at the Economic Development and Culture Committee last June and is supported by Brighton & Hove City Council.
Cllr Alan Robins
Cllr Alan Robins, Deputy Chair of Economic Development and Culture Committee, says: “The Brighton and Hove Triathlon is an excellent new event for the city and will attract many people to come along to participate or watch the sporting activity. Brighton & Hove has a strong reputation for high profile sporting fixtures and this is a welcome addition to the events calendar for 2016.”
Triathlons have been boosted in popularity in recent years by the success of British athletes on the international stage, including the 2012 Olympics.
There are three race distances available, including the standard distance; 1500m swim followed by a 40km cycle and ending with a 10km run and the smallest distance, the Super Sprint 400m swim, 5km cycle and 2.5km run. As we enter another Olympic year, this sport is set to gain more coverage and again rise in popularity. The event has already received international entrants from across Europe including Germany, Denmark and France.
In addition, an outdoor Sport and Fitness show will run over both days of the triathlon weekend. The outdoor show held on Hove lawns will represent innovative health and fitness including nutrition, sports technology, a shopping village and a main stage hosting fitness classes and demonstrations.
One of the main features of The Sport and Fitness Show will be several ‘Have a go’ areas creating an interactive playground for children and adults alike to sample new sports and receive coaching from industry experts.
Sports and Fitness show organiser, Lisa Clayton, says:“The Sport and Fitness Show is an exciting new concept. We will be showcasing a vast array of different sports, health brands, new technologies and fitness trends all gathered together in one place. We have designed the show to inspire and capture the imagination of thousands of active families and individuals of all levels on Hove Lawns”.
Local Liberal Democrats attack Council’s “secret process” to approve redevelopment of controversial King Alfred site in Hove.
This follows last weeks announcement that home builders, Crest Nicholson in partnership with the Starr Trust charity who help young people aged 10-18 fulfil their potential in sports, arts and education, have been chosen as the preferred bidders by the City Council.
Michael Wilbur
Michael Wilbur, Chair of Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats, said: “It is outrageous that councillors from the Labour, Conservative and Green parties have agreed to a conspiracy of silence.
The lack of transparency in allowing local residents to evaluate the merits of the competing bids is quite insulting. This does not happen with major schemes in other cities and shows that the local councillors have a contempt for democracy.
We are keen to see redevelopment at King Alfred but Hove residents must have the chance to air their views. It is time for the Council to come clean and make the details of the bids known immediately. Without transparency we have no way of evaluating whether this development helps solve Brighton’s housing crisis.”
Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis
Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis, the Council’s head of legal and democratic services, said: “The council is committed to openness and transparency and strives to make information public as soon as possible, unless there is some legal or other good reason not to do so.
“In the case of the King Alfred project, a large-scale major development, given the competitive dialogue process that was adopted, and the complex nature of the project, an assessment was made by the council’s in-house legal team. The view taken was that publishing the detailed information ahead of the policy and resources meeting would increase the risk of legal challenge. Given the general public interest, we obtained second opinion from Counsel and this confirmed the position.
“This means that the identity of the successful bidder and outline details of the bid cannot be disclosed until the bidders receive the Regulation 32 notice and a reasonable time expires. The legal preferred option would have been not to issue the information until the standstill period (10 calendar days, to Feb 1) expires. However, given the public interest, a decision was taken to release this information a day after the Policy and Resources committee meets.
“We are sorry if this comes as a disappointment but cannot expose the council, the project and taxpayers’ money to risk of legal challenge.”
Plans to redevelop the King Alfred site have been ongoing for many years. Planning permission was granted in 2007 by the Labour administration to Karis Developments to build a development designed by the international architect Frank Gehry. The proposal proved to be very controversial and did not have the support of the Conservative group on the City Council who added many conditions to the original planning granted when they took control of the council in 2007. In 2008 due to the global financial crisis the project was shelved.
Yesterday, Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment at the House of Commons.
Simon Kirby, MP Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven
In doing so he pledged his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people.
Wednesday January 27 will mark the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the largest mass murder in history.
In the weeks leading up to and after Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged across the country by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
After signing the Book of Commitment, Simon said:“Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau and is an important opportunity to remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and make sure they are not forgotten. I encourage all constituents to mark the day and to join members of my community in the fight against prejudice and intolerance.”
Karen Pollock MBE
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, added:“We are proud that Simon Kirby MP is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day. As we mark the 71st anniversary of the end of the Holocaust and the liberation of the concentration camps, it is vitally important that we both continue to remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge antisemitism and all forms of bigotry.
Holocaust Memorial Day was established following an MP’s visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau with the Holocaust Educational Trust. Moved by his visit, Andrew Dismore MP proposed a bill, “to introduce a day to learn and remember the Holocaust” on 30 June 1999.
The theme for the UK Holocaust Memorial Day 2016 is ‘Don’t Stand By’.
For more information about UK Holocaust Memorial Day, click here:
Katie Yeomans talks to James Ledward about her rapid and positive journey transitioning.
Katie speaks at Brighton Transgender Day Of Remembrance Service
Last November, Katie Yeomans travelled to Brighton from Portsmouth to speak at the Brighton Transgender Day of Remembrance event at Dorset Garden Methodist Church and tell people about her positive story transitioning.
Katie a former court clerk, is 63 and began her transition just 2 years ago. Her life changed in late 2014 when for the first time she dressed as a woman to go to a fancy dress party, nothing sexual, just for fun. Later that year, on New Years Eve she went to a party at an LGBT pub; her first time out ever in ‘public’.
“To be honest”, she said: “I was terrified about what people might say, but I had no unwanted attention on the streets on the way to the pub and only nice comments at the party. Something every girl likes to hear.”
After consulting her GP who she says was fully understanding and helpful, she was referred to a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) in Exeter where after three initial psychological assessments she was referred to a clinic doctor to discuss medical aspects.
She legally changed her name in 2014, and began Hormone Treatment in July 2015.
As there was no support groups in Portsmouth, she joined an LGBT support group in Bournemouth where she had the opportunity to receive 1 2 1 counselling if ever she needed it and to attend regular meetings with other people who were transitioning.
“I found this quite useful and would recommend it to anyone as it helped me realise I was not alone”, she said.
“I guess I have been lucky as I have had no ill effects, I am extremely pleased with the results of the hormone treatment and I have just got funding from the GIC for laser treatment, so soon I won’t have to shave anymore.”
Katie found everyone at the Gender Clinic to be “fantastic and supportive” and is due to undergo surgery in late 2016.
She continued: “At first I only used to go to LGBT friendly places where I knew I would be accepted and feel comfortable. Nowadays however, I go anywhere. I find people polite, very accepting and I have made lots of new friends. But, I am extremely confident so guess that makes it easier for me?
“Just remember, walk tall, be polite and proud your Transgender!”
However, Katie did get assaulted in a pub when a guy threw beer over her. She called the police, he was arrested and served with a Community Resolution Order ordering him to write a letter of apology to Katie and pay the cost of dry cleaning her clothes.
She has had the odd unpleasant comment in the street, but refuses to tolerate such behaviour and always deals with it as it arises, normally saying something witty back in response.
Most importantly, she encourages anyone to report Hate Crime saying “its just NOT acceptable”.
Katie said:“My family, friends and neighbours have been very supportive and accepting of my being Transgender. I now get greeting cards with sister on from my family, I am well liked and accepted in my local community.”
“I understand some people have bad experiences being Trans but in general I have been lucky and have had a wonderful experience these past two years. Things seem to just get better as time goes on. There are some lovely and understanding people out there and always remember, do what your heart tells you. Hiding away will only make you miserable in life.
“I hope telling my story will encourage others to do the same?”
The idea for a Sussex, UK, Dykes on Bikes® club was born following the first ever UK gay biker rally in the summer of 2011.
Dykes on Bikes Sussex chapter
Club founder, Floss Bradley and Julie Mars who also attended the rally decided to start their very own Sussex, UK, Dykes On Bikes® chapter.
As a result, the club was started unofficially in November 2011 by the two officers and another rider formed the core of the new club. Group numbers have since fluctuated between 3 to 20 active riders and 70 members who occasionally join them for the odd ride on a nice day.
The club gained official Dykes on Bikes®, Sussex WMC status in January 2012, receiving their official back patches in June 2012.
Their biggest event of the year is Brighton Pride which forms part of the mother club’s values and presence is an obligation according to club rules. It is viewed as a privilege by members of the chapter to take part on the parade.
Their first appearance on the Brighton Pride parade was in 2013 when the chapter arrived with a bang, taking pole position on the parade.
A member commented:“It was a truly exhilarating experience, none of us will ever forget. Something we had worked towards for a very long time and finally, we’d made it.”
The chapter is also opening an invitation to other women riders (regardless of sexual orientation) for future parades to increase their roar at Pride. Anyone who wishes to participate in the Pride Parade should make contact with the chapter through their Facebook page. In the meantime, organisers continue to work with the Pride Committee to maintain the chapter’s visibility and involvement in the Pride celebrations, something members are all incredibility proud of.
What do Dykes on Bikes® actually do? They take part in two very distinct scenes, the biker community scene and of course the LGBTQ scene, as well as creating their very own! They attend charity fundraisers organised by local MCs (motorcycle clubs) and have also run their own fundraisers.
They attend some annual big events like Brightona or the Ace Run, each attracting many thousands of bikers onto Brighton seafront.
On a smaller scale, they also attend Charity Toy Run rallies (100s of bikers) for Christmas toys/donation collections, participate in Stonewall equality events and support locally arranged Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex (LGBTQI) events where possible.
It’s not uncommon for members to get dressed up on the bikes for a good cause!
They organise their own social events including bowling, camping, dog walking, BBQs, theme park outings, go karting, dining and of course a variety of bike rides, varying from short 30mph town rides to long distance faster 70mph country rides. All dependent on the members’ capabilities.
All riders are welcome, from learner scooterists to seasoned Harley riders and anything else in between. They are an inclusive club and provide a fun and safe environment for LGBTQI folks from all walks of life.
Membership includes a wide cross-section of people with the oldest member being 70 and there are also some international members.
In August 2015, their latest President was elected. Raisy Stary, has injected fresh ideas and drive to place the only official UK chapter of Dykes on Bikes® firmly on the map.
She is working hard to increase the chapter’s visibility and further empower the group, with an increased social/internet presence, improved club goals/values and an increased membership!
They promote equality and diversity and pledge to provide a safe environment for women who identify as LGBTQI, broadening the means by which they can express equality through social activities. They aim to empower women by bringing together the male dominated biking community and female LGBTQI community in the hopes of educating and removing prejudice.
Their activities do not just benefit the biking community. They extend their social events and other activities to non-motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the UK and support and complement existing charities, promoting LGBTQI and lifestyle in a positive manner.
Dykes On Bikes® (DOB) is a worldwide phenomenon and one of the world’s most recognised Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) brands. It is one of the longest running women’s only motorcycle clubs in the world.
Dykes On Bikes was founded in San Francisco in 1976 and the name “Dykes On Bikes” was only recently successfully trademarked in the USA after a long legal battle heading all the way to the Supreme Court.
DOB Chapters exist all over the world including the USA, Australia, UK, Iceland and other locations throughout Europe with all Chapters being overseen by the mother club, the “San Francisco Dykes On Bikes® Women’s Motorcycle Contingent”.
Each Chapter runs independently and many have their own logo but essentially the reason for their existence is to provide an environment for lesbian and bi women to come together and enjoy their mutual passion of riding motorbikes.
They have joined the dots with their sister clubs worldwide, from which key relations have emerged.
One sister club, Queensland, has invited them to participate in the 2017 Sydney Mardis Gras ‘world renowned’ Pride celebration, which they are taking up!
The mother club in San Francisco is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year… and have invited riders to join them on the famous Market Street parade as they did all those years ago.
If you are interested in joining or supporting the club in any way, or just fancy a bit of vroom vroom, you can find them on Facebook.
For more information on the Sussex chapter, click here:
If you grew up in a small, not very interesting town, the cosmopolitan city of Brighton can hold a magnetic pull, and for poet John McCullough it was no different.
John McCullough
Since first coming here in 2000 to do a Ph.d on Shakespeare at Sussex University, John’s life has gone from strength to strength. From early days as a barman in the Bulldog, to meeting his partner of twelve years to becoming a much-acclaimed poet, Brighton has been the setting for numerous joys and successes.
What is it that keeps him here?
“Brighton’s full of movement and colour. It has a unique identity in terms of having been associated throughout its history with outsiders, with dirty weekends and gangsters, punks and jugglers, alternative sexualities and subcultures. Walking through the North Laine or down St James Street, you get used to encountering stilt walkers, drag queens, Radical Faeries.
“It’s a gloriously weird bubble. And the feelings conjured up by inhabiting a space like this can’t help but shape what local writers produce. The Frost Fairs is the book that people most associate with me because of it winning the Polari prize, and I don’t think I’d have written a book remotely like it if I’d lived somewhere different. The idea of having all these gay, transgender and intersex characters at different points in history definitely sprung from my relationship with where I live.”
In April 2016 we will see not one, but two new John McCullough works come to fruition. One, a song cycle, “The Seven Doors of Danny” (billed as a music and poetry work) he has written in collaboration with local composer, Ricky Horscraft and the second is a new collection of poems called Spacecraft.
John explained:“When Ricky first put the idea to me about writing something based on Shakespeare’s Seven Ages of Man, I jumped at the chance, having spent five years looking at homoerotic goings on in his plays and sonnets for my Ph.d. But we’ve been sure to make it a very 21st century work.”
Indeed, while the first song captures the innocent excitement and energy one expects in childhood things soon take a much darker turn, with school bullies, self-realisation, criminal behaviour and a drag queen gangster all thrown into the mix.
For John, it is the first time he has worked with a musician and he says he has learnt a great deal on the way about how music and poetry can work together effectively. (However, he does not admit to his past experiences as a barman having any influence on some of the songs’ content.) Three of the songs were previewed to an invited audience in June 2015 and the enthusiastic reception told them they were onto a winning idea. And the villainous drag queen will be portrayed in cameo by none other than Brighton favourite, Miss Jason.
The other work of John’s coming out in April is his second collection of poems, Spacecraft, which is being published by Penned in the Margins.
What can we expect?
“Spacecraft is very different to The Frost Fairs. It’s a book themed around absence and making things out of nothing. Many of the poems are about my first partner Andy, who passed away from an AIDS-related illness. There’s also lots about all the beautiful words that have vanished from the English language over the centuries, plus it wouldn’t be me if there weren’t plenty of surreal poems featuring flying churches of rain, people turning into exclamation marks and the like. The last quarter of the book is a series of poems about Brighton itself, and being alive and in love here in the present day.”
After all the promotion for these two projects, what does he plan to do next?
“No idea. My head has been rather crowded of late with them both, so I’ve not really had time to think. All I can say is it will be something completely different that moves away from what I’ve done before. No sequels! I think any artist needs to keep experimenting to stay healthy. Actually I’ll probably start with some sleep. That would be lovely.”
TheSeven Doors of Danny will be performed on Saturday, April 2 by members of Actually Gay Men’s Chorus and University of Sussex Symphony Orchestra at St Andrew’s Church, Waterloo Street, Hove, at 7.30pm.
For more information about John McCollough, click here:
For more information about The Seven Doors of Danny, click here:
Event:The Seven Doors of Danny
Where: St Andrews Church, Waterloo Street, Hove
When: Saturday, April 2
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: From £9
To buy tickets online from end of January, click here:
In August 2015, their latest President was elected. Raisy Stary, has injected fresh ideas and drive to place the only official UK chapter of Dykes on Bikes® firmly on the map.
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