"Housing 4 All" screening on Thursday 2nd May at the Richmix in Shoreditch

The "Housing 4 All" is a short documentary combining the insight of a political video activist (myself) and the creative editing skills of Vasilis Dendrinos a film maker from Greece. The film describes the struggle of a working class family living in London on a low income which doesn't cover the cost of renting in the private sector. As a result of errors made by the Council, they lost their housing benefit, got evicted and became homeless.The journey of the Counihan-Sanchez family starts with their personal struggle and connects with the political apparatus. The documentary is supported by facts and figures on income, policies, and housing construction.

The screening of the "Housing 4 All" is on Thursday 2nd May 2013 and starts at 8pm after the exhibition, ‘The Thatcher Years- my 80′s‘  by Dave Sinclair which opens with a free preview from 6-7.30pm (email rsvp@richmix.org.uk). 

From 8pm on Thursday 2nd April (On admission) the programme will be as follow:

• "Housing 4 all" a short documentary charting the Counihan-Sanchez families fight against benefit cuts & eviction.
• ‘Have I got Tax for you?’ pilot satire, breaking down the skulduggery of Corporate Tax Evasion
•  Q&A with Isable Counihan, PCS, RMT & ‘Sick of your boss campaign.
• "Like a politicised League of Gentlemen" & a ‘Mayors’ a satirical comedy showing a view of the world this week from the Anti-Duhring Battalion (Left Front) by the Flood Theater.

BOOKING:

Event Name: The Thatcher Years Launch Event

Date: Thu 2 May 

Time: 8pm

Place: Richmix: 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA in Shoreditch (how to get there)

Price: £7, £4 concessions

Online Booking click here

Box office: 020 7613 7498

Facebook Event link

Find out more about the "DontMentionThe47" programme for Sunday 12th May.

12 May Occupy Global Day of Action at the Bank of England

Today it was occupy global day of action in solidarity with other cities in the world including Athens, Moscow, New York, Barcelona and Madrid. The protest started in St Paul at 1pm, place of the original camp settlement from 15 October 2011 till his eviction by the bailiff on 27th February 2012.


 Spyro Van Leenen - Occupy London organiser talking at Canadian TV channel ctvnews.ca on May day. He explain the context in UK and announced the 12 May Occupy Global day of action.

During the day - From St Paul to the Bank of England

The group had to leave St Paul as the protest was not authorised and Police was threatening them of possible retaliation. Some of the protesters got kettled while trying to run away from the police but the majority still managed to head to the Bank of England, high simbole of capitalism, where the assembly was due to take place. At the Bank of England, the police encircled the all square and then infiltrated the crowd. From this point, I knew that we had to make a move if we did not want to be arrested. At 6pm 2/3 of the crowd had left and the core group remained but debilitated. According to the mainstream media, Police said they made 11 arrests while our observers recorded a higher number. Unfortunately the Occupy organisers did not have a back-up plan in case the Police took control of the square which exposed us to potential violence.
Action on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23occupylondon

Assembly at the Bank of England

At the Bank of England, few speakers from different campaigning groups across London (Jubilee debt, Climate Justice Coalition, UK Uncut....) came to the panel to voice what this day meant to them in the struggle for equality, a fair tax system and the protection of our welfare system, a stop to its erosion by neo-liberal government policies. Corporations dodge millions of pounds through tax evasion, loopholes and negotiation with the government while the 99% have seen their life style, access to health education and employment deteriorated since the beginning of the financial crisis created by the banks.  Till the 99% demands are not met, Occupy and other grassroots movements will continue using whatever tools they have to reach the masses and tell our politicians that we are not in this together. 

References:
http://occupylsx.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupy_London
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18049010
http://www.youandifilms.com/2012/01/occupation-records-the-99-per-cent-to-launch-a-record-label/

Jamie Kelsey-Fry, The new Internationanist and Occupy Activist taking for Russia Today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqco44bp19g

Brent residents denied their say on the closure of Willesden Library

One day local residents going to Willesden Library will find it close with a noticed on the doors “temporary closure for redevelopment….go to….”. Brent Council is anxious to close Willesden Green Library as soon as possible denying residents their rights to be consulted and have a say on the future of a local community space.

No statement of closure plan inside the library

Today as I walk towards my local library, I see a group of campaigners handing leaflets and collecting signatures. It is the Brent SOS Library campaigners. They are saying that Brent Council announced last December that Willesden Green Library will be closing for 2 years for redevelopment. A year ago the council stated the closing of 6 libraries in Brent in order to keep the 7 others open. Now they’re saying that Willesden Library needs to be improved and for that reason they are closing! 

Without Brent SOS Library campaigners we will not be aware of Brent council intention of closing Willesden Green library as there is no trace of closure statement inside the library. 

A communal space with excellent facilities

Anyone that has ever been to the Willesden Library knows that the current facilities are excellent. It is a two floors building with a nursery on first floor, a seating area for newspapers readers, a big table for community meetings. The upstairs areas is mostly used by local students that come here to work in groups, but also people with no internet access at home as all the library is wireless unable. The library has a marvellous selection of books on all subjects from literature, employment to how to build a website…. In short knowledge made available for all. 

Reading had changed forever the course of my life

Malcolm X wrote in his autobiography how books empowered him and changed his life: “I told the Englishman (English journalist interviewing him) that my alma mater was books, a good library”. “I have often reflected upon the new vistas the reading opened to me.” “I knew right there in prison that reading had changed forever the course of my life.” “Where else but in prison could I have attacked my ignorance…” he also said that the books that he referred to were quickly removed from the library! This is in effect a form of censorship.  

Librarian are not even unionised

Among the campaigners I recognised Philip. I was at the library when he was collecting signatures few months ago.  They’ve just been kicked out of the library by the personnel and a security sent exclusively for the day. I was astonished that the library employees asked them to leave as the closure of this library means that they will lose their job. They’ve probably been promised that they will be transferred somewhere else. Are they unionised I asked. None of them are Philip said. It was confirmed by the security guard I spoke to.  

Some unelected executives decide of library closures

 I asked who decides to close the libraries. Philip explained that the decision is taken by 10 council executives which implement the Council’s policies. Some of them are not even been elected. Lesley Jones, the Willesden Green ward councilor but also member of the executive committee was having her surgery that morning. She did not want to talk about the Willesden Green library closure claiming that she was tired and feeling unwell. She tried to justify the closure with the central government budget cuts. Where will local residents and books go while the library is closed I asked her. She said that the council will rent a local building. So they will be paying rent somewhere else! She was clearly feeling uneasy as she did not have a valid explanation to give.  

Residents have heard “temporary” closure before

A local resident recall the Thatcher years when the Willesden local hospital, slowly closed wards after wards until full closure unnoticed. It was also presented as a “temporary” closure! The hospital never reopened as everybody knows. Another suspects that they were selling the land to vested interests, developers that have been lobbying them for awhile. Another said they deliberately kept the cinema and cafe closed to prove the library unsustainable. 

Conclusion:

Residents are clearly suspicious and skeptical of Brent Council’s real intentions. Past experience has showed that closed public spaces are rarely reopened. Others are furious at the sneaky ways the council is using to go ahead with the plan and avoid delays due to public oppositions. Residents feel they have been stripped from their rights to have a say on issues that concerns them. Moreover they feel powerless and demanding that their representatives be accountable when the decisions are taken by non-elected “executives”.

References:

Brent Management committee: http://democracy.brent.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=123

Martin Francis of Brent Green Party blog: http://wembleymatters.blogspot.com/2011/12/willesden-green-library-not-on-december.html

Campaigners: http://www.brentsoslibraries.org.uk/sos/

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/krlibrary/

Kilburn Times article: http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/plans_to_temporarily_close_willesden_library_sparks_fears_for_vital_services_1_805283

Take the space while we can at the Occupy LSX

Last night I finally went to the Occupy the London Stock Exchange camp in St Paul's churchyard after almost 2 weeks of occupation. So much has been said on the media about the occupy movement...that  discredited  the political effectiveness of  the camp in the middle of city that I thought it is time to go and judge by myself.

Climate Camp or the “do it yourself” approach

When I arrived at the camp in St Paul's I recognised the made of Climate Camp. I entered a "hot drink" tent, sit down with the people there and felt at home almost immediately.  One of the people in the tent confirms that climate camp was the force behind.... They have a long history of occupying fields across the country and therefore very practical skills he said. A Russian musician attracted by the sound of the piano gave us some news on other occupied places in Europe...reminded us that in UK with all  its repressions we can still speak out that's more than they can do in Russia. Later I asked a young guy in his twenties if people really leave their tent at night as the media was insinuating. He admitted that some did. Most people have a job to go to he said. 

Jesus was threatening the Temple income as much as the camp is today at St Paul’s

On Friday 28th November St Paul's cathedral reopened after citing health and safety reasons for its closure because of the Occupy London camp outside. According to some people I spoke to at the camp all the health and safety measures have been discuss with the council and addresses. So what was the real reason to remain close!? What the safety inside the church as to do with tents outside in the churchyard ? I wonder!  I know I am not a safety expert but it sounds absurd! From a PR perspective it looks pretty bad.  Charitable clergies expulsing unarmed and peaceful protestors! The fact that they are re-opening shows that they are losing the battle and acknowledge that the camp is here to stay. St Paul's lost £20,000 per day since its closure. Why did they close in the first place?

This current situation reminds me of when Jesus raided the Temple and attacked money-changers for defiling a holy place. The leaders of the Jewish establishment realise that he threatens their power, and so do the Romans, who fear that Jesus has the charisma to lead a guerrilla uprising against Imperial Rome.
The religious and political establishment at the time of Jesus are not much different from today's institutions that collude with power for some favours and obscure interests.  Jesus was threatening the temple income just as the camp is today. 

Conclusion:

Whether or not the cathedral authorities take court action to evict the camp, it will have a disastrous publicity on the church. Even if they manage to evict them it will take at least 3 months for a court order to be acted upon. In the meantime, the movement strengthens...

My letter to Brent Council Executive to Save Local Libraries

At the Attention: ANN JOHN OBE (Strategy and policy co-ordination)

Email: cllr.ann.john@brent.gov.uk

Dear Ann,

I am a resident of Brent, living in Dollis Hill, although my library in Willesden High Street has been saved this time around, I am deeply concerned by the consequences for other residents of the borough living in Kensal Rise, Barham Park, Cricklewood, Neasden, Preston, and Tokyngton.

I have read the Intervention plan from the "Save Kensal Rise Library" campaigning group, to keep running the library at 2/3 less than current cost while improving services. 

Why do you stubbornly persist in going ahead with the closure of the libraries when there is clearly a cost effective alternative?

At the start of the year Brent opened a public consultation to supposedly ask residents ' opinion on the closure of libraries. I believe you received an unambiguous "NO". So why do you ask your citizens' opinion if it is to do just the opposite? To make us believe that our say counts in this democratic society we live in?  It does not seem so!

This decision you are making against the overwhelming majority of Brent residents will have a damaging effect primarily on the level of literacy among kids from disadvantaged social backgrounds.  Secondly you are taking from "us" a community space that plays a vital role in social cohesion.  

My voice is joined by 8 other Brent residents living in my house and many more I believe.

I urged you to have a minute of reflection, come to the libraries, talk to residents and think of the consequences of your decisions. When the Brent executive meeting comes on Monday 11 April at 7pm  remember all the residents that have faith in you to represent them, save the libraries. 

Your sincerely,

Sandra DeA

RESPONSE FROM: LESLEY JONES (HR, diversity, local democracy and consultation)

Dear Sandra,

No one is happy with the possibility of libraries closing. It is a sensitive and emotive issue.  But with the savage cuts imposed on us by the coalition government, we have no choice if statutory services are to be maintained. It is not Brent councillors being stubborn but councillors attempting to manage the situation central government have created for local authorities.

For at least 12 years senior library managers have advised councillors that there was a need to review locations and “rationalise” our libraries if we were to maintain buildings and reach national library standards. They have advised over the years that maintaining all libraries was not sustainable in the long term. No administration in the past 12 years has had the courage to heed this advice because it is such a sensitive issue. With the Libraries Transformation project, we are committed to have remaining libraries open each day, with a good level of new stock and other facilities.

I do understand the feeling expressed but we have not choice but to make severe cuts in ALL service budgets. This year the cut is £37m. By the end of the month we will have to start planning for the further reductions government expects us to make - around £100m over four years.  We will have lost around 500 council jobs at all levels by the end of 2011.

It is appreciated that community groups put in considerable effort to produce business plans and that there were some good aspects in almost all.  They were thoroughly evaluated.  However, it was made clear to all wishing to consider a business plan to take over a site that there should be NO cost and NO risk to the council. Unfortunately, no plan achieved this basic aim and some did not take account of essentials such as employment law or health and safety aspects. All assumed contributions from the council over one or more years, contributions we cannot afford to make, either now or in the near future.

Regards.

Cllr Lesley Jones

References:

Save Kensal Library - campaigning group

Facebook - Save Kensal Library!

Sarah Teather was on the panel for BBC Radio 4′s 

NewStatesman - Zadie Smith speaks out in defence of libraries

Save Kensal Rise youtube video

Willesden & Brent TImes: Brent Council to close six libraries in the borough despite residents’ protests

Guardian - Library campaigners demand public inquiry into closures

Independent - Overdue! The fight to save our libraries begins
The bookSeller - Campaigners hand in 6,000-strong petition over Brent library

March For The Alternative - Why they are here and who they are 26.03.11

The March for the Alternative was organised by the TUC and joined by UK Uncut, a self-organised direct action group.

While the Trade Unions marched toward Hyde Park where this film was made, the UK Uncut under the "Shut Down London" operation was targeting "Tax Dodgers" retailers. Their philosphy is non violent and consist in entering the shops, in this case Fortum and Mason and do "sit-downs" with their placards. Obviously shoppers don't feel like buying anything... then the shop manager has to shut down... Mission accomplished :-)

In this film the protesters have been asked why they are here and who they are. 

While interviewing people from different walks of life, I realise that they all shared a common characteristic. They care for others. They are conscious of the implications of these Public Service spending cuts on their friends, family and local communities.

There was half a million of people coming to London from across the UK to show their opposition to this Tory Libdem lead government spending cut bill. Many citizens that aspired to change, voted for the Liberal Democrats at the general election thinking that it will make a difference. Most of them, feel deeply betrayed and question the true value of democracy. If we are in a democracy, why is it that our "representatives" once elected do not keep their promises. Does our voice count? This government instead of acknowledging the overwhelming opposition to Public Service cuts, they use the media propaganda of the state to divert the public opinion from this truth and focus on minor incidents that have been made bigger than they really are.

What's next?

The people that came to the protest know that all of this is no true. Until we rely on the BBC to tell us what's happening we will be kept submerge from real consciousness and unable to fight for our rights to health, education, settler.... It is time to get back our power and be listen to. Keep up to date.

References:
Filming and Editing: Sandra De Andrade
Interviewer: Liz Rojas

Music: Zapac Test Drive

A day embedded in the student protest – Sat 29 January 2011

I joined a small group of activists to produce jointly a film covering the National Protest organised by NCA£C and lead by students to tell the story that is not getting told.

My contribution to the project was the filming of the character embodied in Flaminia, an Italian masters degree student at Goldsmith University.

If it does not play; click here.

Last Saturday 29 January 2011, I joined Flaminia at the National Protest meeting point in Mallet Street, London. She was with a few other students from her university getting ready for the march.

This National demonstration was called by National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts in the absence of action by NUS (National Union Student). 

Aaron Porter, the president of the National Union Student has been asked to step down as he has lost his legitimacy in representing students since last November protest that saw students hurt, arrested and prosecuted. Students’ words are hard but irrevocable “Aaron must step down”. At the core of the recrimination a profound let down explained in Laurie Penny’s article. 

So why are students protesting when the university raise in tuition fees to £9,000 per year bill has already  been voted in Parliament since December 9^th December 2010?

They see their fights against the raise in tuition fees as part of the Tories’ ideological spending cuts strategy. They don’t understand why they should be paying that amount of money when corporations like Top-shop, Vodafone…. are avoiding billions in taxation as UK uncut pointed out. Moreover, they are worried about their future and the prospect of finding a job in this current economical climate. What support is the state going to give them? 

Since the overwhelming majority of the population seem apathetic` at the daily announcement of spending cuts, students feel compelled to act for all of us in the hope that their fight will trigger a wake-up call across the society.  They dream of a unified movement where cleavage of class, age or sex ceases to fight a common goal following the path of their bothers in Tunisia and Egypt. 

You could see the disappointment of the students when they realised that their protest was losing momentum at the Egyptian embassy…still they are not defeated they will return more united than ever having learned from their mistakes. 

Read about :

The story of UK Uncut by Samira Shackle

Join: 

http://www.facebook.com/ukuncut

http://www.facebook.com/NCAFC