Latest News
Quaker elected confederal secretary of ETUC
A Quaker has been chosen as a confederal secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). Judith Kirton-Darling, a member of Brussels Meeting, was elected at ETUC’s congress in Athens on 18 May.
Marching truth to power
‘What Parliament does, the streets can undo,’ declared a sign fixed to a wheelchair on the Thames Embankment last week. The young woman in the wheelchair was part of a 5,000-strong crowd who had descended on central London from all corners of Britain to protest against the impact of...
Living wage campaign
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) are among signatories of a joint letter urging FTSE 100 companies to support the campaign for a living wage. The FairPensions organization has just launched ‘JustPay!’ – a campaign designed to increase awareness of the Living Wage and to campaign for a wider implementation of...
Right to conscientious objection not respected
A member of the royal navy who objects to the war in Afghanistan is facing imprisonment for ‘disobedience’. Michael Lyons will be court-martialed in Portsmouth on Friday 20 May.
Government urged to reduce income inequality
Over forty MPs from at least six parties have urged the government to promote policies that reduce income inequality.
Reactions to the election results
Friends have given contrasting reactions to last week’s election results. No Quakers, as far as the Friend understands, have been elected to the Scottish parliament or the Welsh or Northern Irish assemblies, although a number of Friends continue to serve as local councillors.
BAE board challenged
What happens when the arms industry comes face to face with its critics? There is one day every year when the representatives of a top arms manufacturer are legally obliged to listen to opponents facing them in the same room: the annual general meeting (AGM) of multinational arms firm BAE...
China Convoy on the move
Plans are under way to launch a website devoted to the relief work done by conscientious objectors on the ‘China Convoy’.
Christian Aid Week supported
Quakers throughout Britain are supporting Christian Aid Week (15-21 May) by raising funds and promoting campaigns on global poverty.
Osama’s death prompts mixed reactions
Faith groups and religious leaders have cautioned against celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden. Some have also been critical of the killing and warned that it is unlikely to make the world safer.