Latest news with #EdNix
The National
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Which side of history will our politicians be on?
But increasing disappointments around equality and human rights rollbacks across the world beg the question: where can the community find that joy and hope when it feels like there is none? Pride started not as the palatable rainbow march, parades and parties that we have become accustomed to, but as the result of a riot to fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. The police raid and subsequent riot on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York, was commemorated a year later and has since become the catalyst for the annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights that we call Pride. In those 56 years, the overall picture for LGBTQIA+ rights and liberation has promised progress overall. READ MORE: Tartan Army fan who trekked to Euros embarking on new challenge with 'special' goal Scotland just celebrated 10 years of equal marriage, and the importance of protecting LGBTQIA+ rights is internationally recognised. This should be a reason to celebrate how far we have come in just over half a century. What has also been constant, though, is the use of the community as political pawns. This is becoming increasingly obvious to those who feel they are being pulled along for the ride, their existence scrutinised and challenged time and time again. This year's nationwide ban on political parties from marching in Pride celebrations only proves that there is a lot of love lost. We need to rebuild LGBTQIA+ people's trust not only in democracy, but in politicians elected to represent them. During Pride Month this year, it would do well for all politicians to go back to basics and understand what allyship really means, and decide which side of history they wish to be on. First, allyship is a continued commitment. The SNP Government let down LGBTQIA+ people late last year with the delay of a long-promised conversion practices ban, keeping them suspended only to let them down again in May when they dropped the ban completely. These horrific practices are permitted in the UK, and are a hidden shame we must stamp out if we are to continue to be viewed as a progressive nation. (Image: Ed Nix) The SNP's allyship seems to stop at doing the work. They are more than happy to outsource a ban on conversion practices to the UK Government despite having the powers to implement it here in Scotland right now. Choosing to rely on a Labour Government which is yet to prove itself as champions of any marginalised community, especially the ones that won them their election, is looking like a long shot for progress. Slamming on the brakes is simply not the right action to take when we are seeing a global rollback of progressive values and human rights. Just weeks ago, the UK dropped to its lowest-ever position on the European rankings for LGBTQIA+ rights. We cannot sit on our hands and wait for the rest of Europe to fall behind us to improve our score. We must take action to do better now. Allyship is best when it is with rather than for people. That means showing up and listening, not just paying lip service. We need more LGBTQIA+ representation in politics, and that means parties must take deeply seriously the bigoted, homophobic nature of much of the bile that is spewed upon candidates, particularly on social media. Setbacks such as Thatcher's Section 28 should be viewed as a cautionary tale of how bad things can get, not as the blueprint for how Scotland and the UK should move forward. Human rights and equalities must extend beyond party politics and policies. These are real people we interact with each day, who bear the emotional and mental toll of the debates and discussions held. These are people who vote for us in good faith, in the hopes that we will protect their rights and improve their lives. And recently, it is clear that they have felt abandoned and excluded from the conversation. We need to take seriously the calls which LGBTQIA+ people make, and not just those made in formal political settings. The voices chanting at the rally are as valid as the ones sending policy briefs to elected representatives. The Scottish Greens have been long-time proponents of a more participative democracy – that means inviting members of the public into policy development at early stages, facilitating learning and healthy dialogue, and then honouring the proposals that they craft. Initiatives like these can increase public trust in politicians, showing communities how valued and critical they are in decision-making. These sessions have been used across Europe including in France to discuss assisted dying and in Ireland to shape the lifting of their notorious abortion ban. Political decisions should include those who will be directly affected by the choices made in our chambers and committees. We regularly see the power that lobbying groups hold to effect change when legislation is being debated. There needs to be a tone shift by politicians to invite even more groups of people into their decision-making fold, specifically including marginalised groups like the LGBTQIA+ community. By this time next year, I hope that I will be able to write a more positive column for Pride Month, and I hope that I can proudly say we live in a more compassionate and welcoming Scotland that tops the list as far as allyship goes.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Town's carnival to return for better than ever event
Wallingford is expected to put on its biggest and best annual carnival event this month with the return of the traditional celebration. Wallingford Carnival will take place on Saturday, June 21 to bring summer cheer and community spirit to the historic town centre. Dating back as far as 1929, the carnival is firmly set in the community calendar with organisers believing the event in its modern form has been going on for more than 60 years. READ MORE: 'Witty' and 'extremely intelligent' man found dead at Oxford hotel This year, the theme is 'summer solstice' to take place as is tradition on the third Saturday in June. Last year's Wallingford Carnival saw a huge turnout in a day of excitement for the town (Image: Ed Nix) Katherine Keats-Rohan, South Oxfordshire district councillor for Wallingford, said: "This is the town's longest running event and brings everyone together, young and old, in colourful and creative displays. "Wallingford has a great sense of community and events like this celebrate and reinforce that, whilst welcoming newcomers and visitors as well. Flash Sale Alert! 🌟 Dive deeper into the stories that shape Oxfordshire with Oxford Mail. Unlimited local news, an ad-free app, and a digital replica of our print edition—all with 80 per cent fewer ads on our site. 🗞️ 👇#StayInformed — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 26, 2025 "What will this year's Summer Solstice display bring? I can't wait to find out." The event will include stalls, music and entertainment on the Kinecroft throughout the day starting from 10am, brought together with a spectacular carnival procession at 1pm. Dancers put on a dazzling display at last year's celebration (Image: Ed Nix) It will also feature music, dance, funfair activities, as well as street food and a bar. Stall pitches are already full with weeks to go before the big day, and schools, community groups, businesses and individuals are being invited to create a float to participate in the parade. READ MORE: Abingdon: M&S new store at town retail park takes shape Floats can be made for walking, cycling or vehicles, and as big or small as the entrant likes with everyone participating for free. Last year, floats included everything from tractors and trailers to children's walking groups, and even a donkey pulling a cart. The colourful affair is sponsored by Paul Simmonds, a removals company serving the community since 1973, New Home Improvement Group, and Ask4Support Ltd, an IT company in the town. A spokesperson for Ask4Support said: "Summer is coming and so is the Wallingford Carnival. This year the theme is 'summer solstice' and we are excited to be sponsoring this amazing event. "Expect live entertainment on the Kinecroft all day, plus lots of stalls and plenty of food and drink carts to enjoy. READ MORE: Tributes to Oxfordshire 'murder victim' Rachael Vaughan "Then there will be the spectacular carnival procession at 1pm. Save the date." Businesses have been invited to join the carnival by decorating their windows on theme and enter a competition, with a prize for the best creation. The carnival is funded by income from its stalls, generous sponsors and small community grants, and put together every year by a small committee of volunteers to create a "spectacular community event."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Planning green light given on new 80,000 sq ft building in city
The planning green light has been given to a new four-storey building spanning 80,000 square feet in Oxford. Featuring a laboratory and office space, the newbuild will be located at The Oxford Science Park in Littlemore. Located at the eastern edge of the park, the site is near the proposed new Cowley Branch Line, with a new station scheduled to open in early 2030, bringing direct links to central Oxford and London. Yong Shen, The Oxford Science Park director, said: 'This is fantastic news for the Oxfordshire ecosystem and for the companies shaping the future of science and technology. READ MORE: 'Their legacy will live on': Fire chief tribute to three killed in fire The decision by Oxford City Council on planning was a unanimous one. (Image: Ed Nix) "This development allows us to offer more world-class facilities in an established setting that promotes collaboration, sustainability and discovery, further cementing The Oxford Science Park's reputation as a leading destination for science and technology companies. "My thanks go to everyone who worked on the planning application.' Designed with sustainability and community integration in mind, the development includes a 5.86 per cent biodiversity net gain, extensive landscaping, improvements to the adjacent wildlife site, and enhanced cycle and pedestrian connectivity. There will be 168 car parking spaces with 25 per cent of these with EV charging and 104 bicycle spaces. READ MORE: Three arrested on border as police discover huge cannabis factory Missed a copy of the Oxford Mail you wanted? Here's what to do — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) May 13, 2024 The building itself will feature upgraded façades with anodised aluminium, high energy efficiency standards, and rooftop photovoltaic panels. Significant heritage enhancements will also feature including a public space showcasing archaeological discoveries and contributing to the setting of the nearby Grade II listed Minchery Priory. The unanimous decision by Oxford City Council follows extensive public engagement and marks another milestone in the park's growth, following the unanimous approval of the 450,000 sq ft Daubeny Project in 2023.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Record number of volunteers join town's litter pick
A record-breaking number of volunteers took part in an annual litter pick in Wallingford last Saturday (March 15). One-hundred-and-eighty people dedicated their time to clean up the town at the event organised by Wallingford 1155. The charity's chairman, Mark Brett, has managed the litter pick for more than 15 years and has been involved with the charity since it was founded. Mark Brett (right centre) has organised the litter pick for more than 15 years (Image: Ed Nix) He said: "It's such a great community volunteering opportunity. "It brings people together, and you'd be surprised how much fun you can have picking up rubbish. "People come back with great stories, and it's important for our environment and keeping our town clean." The volunteers were divided into teams and assigned different areas across the town and surrounding villages of Crowmarsh and Brightwell. Volunteers take part in the litter pick in Wallingford (Image: Ed Nix) They were also split into high risk and low risk zones so children and elderly people could get involved without having to work along a main road or in other unsafe environments. Mr Brett said: "It's a shame that we have to do it because there's rubbish, however, it's really rewarding and enjoyable, and a tangible thing that you can see the week after when you're driving around and can see how clean the town is. 'We have a great name for our town and it's important that we keep it looking nice and clean for visitors.' Mr Brett's efforts with Wallingford 1155, which also organises other annual events including the Bonfire Night fireworks display and Santa's Sleigh which visits residents at Christmas, earned him an MBE last year. Rubbish collected during the litter pick in Wallingford (Image: Ed Nix) However, he credits the success of the litter pick to the community, saying: "Everyone who gets involved is a litter hero. "I want to give huge thanks to the community that we have. As an individual, I help organise, but I can't do it without the community supporting me. "So, I want to recognise them." The charity thanked the drivers who showed "patience, giving us a cheery wave and driving slowly to keep everyone safe," as well as Emma and Dave at Cross Keys Wallingford for providing drinks and food. Mark Brett taking part in the litter pick (Image: Ed Nix) White Horse District Council supplied litter pickers and took away all the waste that was collected. Mr Brett added: "Over the past couple of years, I've come to truly appreciate how much volunteering gives back. "It not only boosts confidence but also fosters social connections, mental wellbeing, and, above all, friendship and fun. "No matter how big or small your contribution, every little bit helps - and we can't wait for your continued support at future events."
