A QUESTION OF TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE
Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain?" Mr. Weasley to Ginney― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Monarchs, Presidents and Prime Ministers throughout the ages have always kept their trusted advisers close. Some rose to prominence, some plotted to usurp, but mostly they operated in the shadows. Citizens have always been aware of powerful forces 'behind the throne' ready to do their master's bidding or in more recent times 'spinning the message'. In recent times, few have stepped outside their designated role without risking their prestigious and privileged position or in earlier centuries losing their heads.
Millions of people are worried for their loved ones. They have made heartbreaking sacrifices every day since lockdown, including missing family gatherings like weddings and funerals.
People are rightly angry about Dominic Cummings' behaviour. It cannot be one rule for senior government officials and one rule for everyone else
We cannot allow coronavirus to blind us to the injustice that is unfolding on Hong Kong.
Beijing's new national security law is a naked power-grab. It bypasses Hong Kong local law-making processes and demonstrates a complete lack of respect for the Joint Declaration. Clearly China no longer cares for the 'one country, two systems' agreement made between the UK and China during the Handover.
Household bin collections will take place as normal on Bank Holiday Monday (25 May) for Bedford Borough households. Those households whose black, orange or green bin is due for collection on the Bank Holiday are asked to put it out for collection as normal.
We cannot sit back and watch this violation of rights and freedoms. The UK has a moral and legal duty to act. Dominic Raab must take decisive action.
It has been confirmed that Beijing is introducing a resolution that would bypass Hong Kong local law-making processes in order to impose a new 'national security law' on the territory.
We cannot sit back and watch this violation of rights and freedoms.
It is clear that China no longer cares for the 'one country, two systems' agreement made between the UK and China during the Handover.
We cannot sit back and watch this violation of rights and freedoms. We are urging Dominic Raab to take decisive action.
Alistair Carmichael, our Foreign Affairs Spokesperson and Chair of the APPG on Hong Kong said:
"This is a naked power-grab by Beijing, demonstrating a complete lack of respect for the Joint Declaration.
The Chinese government have reneged on the promises made to protect and enhance their rights and freedoms.
The UK has a moral and legal duty to act. The Conservative government must reopen the British National Overseas (BNO) Passport scheme and extend it to give the people of Hong Kong the right to live in the UK. "
We cannot sit back and watch this violation of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong. Liberal Democrats are urging Dominic Raab to take decisive action. #StandwithHK
That's why we tabled a Bill that would re-open the offer of a British National Overseas (BNO) passports for Hong Kong citizens and extend the scheme to provide the "right of abode", allowing a person to live or work indefinitely in the UK.
We are calling on the Government to support our Bill, which will have its second reading in Parliament on 11th September 2020.
Protect the rights of the people of Hong Kong - CLICK HERE to add your name today
If you have things that you no longer want, or need, that can be reused don't throw them away. Donate instead and give them a new life.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many charities are struggling due to a lack of donations and so a lack of income.
Emmaus Village Carlton, who provide a home and meaningful work for formerly homeless adults in Bedfordshire, is reopening for donations on Wednesday 27 May.
The Booktastic Children's Book Festival has brought a wide array of wonderful children's authors to Bedford over recent years, with the event having taken place at local venues including the Higgins Bedford, the University of Bedfordshire Polhill Campus and The Place Theatre.
This year's event has sadly had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the organisers have instead taken it online, and arranged for numerous popular authors and illlustrators to deliver a programme of interviews, panel discussions, workshops and in-conversation sessions, all live streamed on the Booktastic YouTube channel
