Help the larger cause · STOP THE MAIDAN HORSE PULLED CARRIAGES. MAKE THEM ELECTRIC · Change.org (2024)

Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Stop the extermination of Igbo people and Christians in Nigeria.

Arguably, a state is an extension of its citizens, its first duty is to protect its citizens.The British State therefore has not only a legal but also a moral obligation to protect and promote human rights of its citizens in particular, the prohibition of torture, and "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".The British State has been vocal in ensuring that citizens’ rights are respected even among repressive regimes.There are various and well documented objective evidence from different credible sources – Amnesty International, USSD, UK Home Office records and so on that the Nigerian state does not respect rule of law and violates human rights with impunity including unlawful attacks on its citizens, attack on free speech and press, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and other ill-treatment, enforced disappearances, sectarian and religious bigotry and so on.Recently, a British citizen – Mazi (Mr) Nnamdi Kanu (MNK)– the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) travelling on a British passport to Kenya was unlawfully attacked, detained and abducted by the Nigerian government in collusion with its Kenyan counterparts.Initially the Nigerian government claimed that MNK was extradited to Nigeria or that the UK government turned him to the Nigerian authority via interpol implying that the UK government either colluded with the Nigeria government or was complicit in unlawful arrest and without following due process. We now know that this claim is wrong.What is clear now is that a British citizen travelling on a British passport has become a victim of international crime – unlawful attack, detention, abduction and now in the custody of the Nigerian security agency.Information from his legal team indicates that MNK is in appalling health as a result of torture or inhuman treatment against him by the repressive Nigerian regime and would need proper medical examination and care.Although the British government has clarified that MNK was not extradited and tasked the Nigerian government for explanation on the circ*mstances of his arrest.I call upon the British government to stand up to her responsibility towards her citizen for an attack on one British citizen is an attack on all. It will set a very dangerous precedent should Britain consider that the actions of the Nigerian and/or the Kenya authorities against her citizen has nothing to do with them.I invite the UK government through her sovereign parliament to deploy all legal and diplomatic means to ensure MNK suffers no further torture and to secure his immediate release.In addition, there is a continuing slaughter of people in the Southeastern part of Nigeria by the Nigerian military who has maintained unlawful military occupation and extra-judicial killing by the Nigerian security agencies. The urgent attention of the British government and the hallowed UK parliament is drawn to the life altering issues affecting the people of the South-eastern states of Nigeria particularly the Igbo people with respect to insecurity, Islamic-Fulani terrorism, incessant attack by the Fulani herders, kidnapping and hostage taking for ransom by herdsmen and scrupulous militants empowered by the executive and security agencies, killing and execution of Christians, chronic youth unemployment and extreme corruption.The indigenous people of Biafra have been suffocated by the Nigerian authorities in all aspects of life throughout their fragile and unconsented cohabitation with the Hausa/Fulani have reached a breaking point. There is now a growing consensus and call to exercise their right to self-determination. The British government must support this and notbe in the way for its realization.I invite the British government to investigate on these matters and respectfully submit that it is proper for the sovereign parliament to debate on these matters with a view to deescalating the tensions in the region and avoid pending civil unrest. The UK government led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson must not just walk by the other side.I count on you all lovers of freedom to make this petition happen with your signatures. Thank you.

Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Stop the extermination of Igbo people and Christians in Nigeria.

Arguably, a state is an extension of its citizens, its first duty is to protect its citizens.The British State therefore has not only a legal but also a moral obligation to protect and promote human rights of its citizens in particular, the prohibition of torture, and "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".The British State has been vocal in ensuring that citizens’ rights are respected even among repressive regimes.

There are various and well documented objective evidence from different credible sources – Amnesty International, USSD, UK Home Office records and so on that the Nigerian state does not respect rule of law and violates human rights with impunity including unlawful attacks on its citizens, attack on free speech and press, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and other ill-treatment, enforced disappearances, sectarian and religious bigotry and so on.

Recently, a British citizen – Mazi (Mr) Nnamdi Kanu (MNK)– the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) travelling on a British passport to Kenya was unlawfully attacked, detained and abducted by the Nigerian government in collusion with its Kenyan counterparts.Initially the Nigerian government claimed that MNK was extradited to Nigeria or that the UK government turned him to the Nigerian authority via interpol implying that the UK government either colluded with the Nigeria government or was complicit in unlawful arrest and without following due process. We now know that this claim is wrong.What is clear now is that a British citizen travelling on a British passport has become a victim of international crime – unlawful attack, detention, abduction and now in the custody of the Nigerian security agency.

Information from his legal team indicates that MNK is in appalling health as a result of torture or inhuman treatment against him by the repressive Nigerian regime and would need proper medical examination and care.

Although the British government has clarified that MNK was not extradited and tasked the Nigerian government for explanation on the circ*mstances of his arrest.I call upon the British government to stand up to her responsibility towards her citizen for an attack on one British citizen is an attack on all. It will set a very dangerous precedent should Britain consider that the actions of the Nigerian and/or the Kenya authorities against her citizen has nothing to do with them.

I invite the UK government through her sovereign parliament to deploy all legal and diplomatic means to ensure MNK suffers no further torture and to secure his immediate release.In addition, there is a continuing slaughter of people in the Southeastern part of Nigeria by the Nigerian military who has maintained unlawful military occupation and extra-judicial killing by the Nigerian security agencies. The urgent attention of the British government and the hallowed UK parliament is drawn to the life altering issues affecting the people of the South-eastern states of Nigeria particularly the Igbo people with respect to insecurity, Islamic-Fulani terrorism, incessant attack by the Fulani herders, kidnapping and hostage taking for ransom by herdsmen and scrupulous militants empowered by the executive and security agencies, killing and execution of Christians, chronic youth unemployment and extreme corruption.

The indigenous people of Biafra have been suffocated by the Nigerian authorities in all aspects of life throughout their fragile and unconsented cohabitation with the Hausa/Fulani have reached a breaking point. There is now a growing consensus and call to exercise their right to self-determination. The British government must support this and notbe in the way for its realization.

I invite the British government to investigate on these matters and respectfully submit that it is proper for the sovereign parliament to debate on these matters with a view to deescalating the tensions in the region and avoid pending civil unrest. The UK government led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson must not just walk by the other side.I count on you all lovers of freedom to make this petition happen with your signatures. Thank you.

WATCH THE F4 '94 PETITION PROMO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgGo3JVcSOg

PETITION - RELEASE THE 1994 FANTASTIC FOUR MOVIE #releasefantasticfour94

Devoted fans of Marvel's Fantastic Four have long been aware of a missing piece in our beloved F4 history - the unreleased 1994 film originally produced by Roger Corman and directed by Oley Sassone. This film, while produced on a "shoe-string" low budget, was in fact based on a treatment written by Stan Lee. It was famously held back from release due to behind the scenes deals and only became available through underground bootlegs for the last thirty years. The film remains an important part of the F4 franchise's legacy and deserves a pristine version to be seen by fans old and new — fans who believe this first film also captures the true spirit of the original comic, with humor, drama, and heartfelt, vivid characterizations — becoming the undeniable fan favorite to this day despite three other big budget versions. The ironic underdog, F4 '94 has become an enduring cult classic.

We are calling on Marvel Studios to remaster and release this hidden gem through streaming platforms, Blu-Ray, and live screenings.

GIVE IT SOME UPGRADES--Remastering this faithful film adaptation with state-of-the-art upgrades will not only enhance its viewing experience for fans but also pay homage to its creators, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, while solidifying its place in cinematic history. Improved special visual effects, a new audio mix, and using the latest CGI technology can bring this classic story into the modern era without losing its original charm.

FANS WANT THE HISTORY--Furthermore, including supplemental material such as interviews, commentary, and historical context from the original cast and crew will provide valuable insights into how this unique piece was created. It's estimated that there are over 20 million Fantastic Four fans worldwide who would appreciate these insights (source: Statista). It's a testament to film's legions of fans that The Fantastic Four 1994, while never officially released, has been the subject of numerous articles, podcasts, books, and some excellent documentaries. It's time for Marvel to join their fans in celebrating this now historic film and allow it a place in the MCU canon and "multiverse".

LIFT THE 'CURSE"--Releasing this film isn't just about adding another title to Marvel's catalog; it's about filling a gap in our understanding of how one of cinema's most enduring franchises has evolved over time. By releasing and remastering the 1994 Fantastic Four film, we can shine a light on an overlooked chapter in superhero movie history. The fanbase will feel gifted, the mystery lifted, and ready to embrace the next version of The Fantastic Four in the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Please join us in urging Marvel Studios to release this significant piece of cinematic history for all fans to enjoy. SIGN OUR PETITION TODAY!

Share on Social Media: #releasefantasticfour94

Further reading links:

Nerdbot: Roger Corman’s “Fantastic Four” is MCU canon now

F4 Curse History Explained

First Doctor Doom calls for Fantastic Four Release

Excellent documentaries on The Fantastic Four 1994:

The F4 Cast that were “Tricked”

“Doomed: The Story of Roger Corman’s The Fantastic Four”

My partner Marcus Decker is being threatened with deportation - because he joined a peaceful protest against the government's inaction on the climate crisis. Please help us and sign this petition calling on the Home Office to stop his deportation.

Marcus and I fell in love 3 years ago. We were brought together by our joint passion for music and for protecting our planet. He became a wonderful stepfather to my two children.

Marcus is a passionate singer and climate activist. We both know how urgent the climate crisis has become and do everything we can to stop it from getting worse. When Marcus turns up at a protest and starts to sing the whole mood of the crowd can change. From one moment to another, people can listen to him in sombre silence or join him in energised chants. He is an inspiring teacher and a beloved supporter of grassroots communities. He lives the most modest life possible so he can dedicate all his time and energy to helping others.

But despite all our protests and the climate emergency getting worse and worse with every day, the government is still investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure. So Marcus made the decision to step up his protest. Last October, he scaled the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge together with Morgan Trowland, creating a public debate about the government's continued investment in new oil.

As a result of their protest, Marcus was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months in prison. It isn't easy for Marcus in prison and it is desperately sad for my family. We miss him every day. The prison banned Marcus from speaking to the media making it even more difficult for him to speak about the reasons for his protest.

But as if such a high prison sentence was not bad enough, Marcus, a German citizen, is now being threatened with deportation.

This double punishment is devastating for us. If deported, he would be separated from us, his family, his home, community and adopted country. Marcus has already been separated from us for 7 months and now he might never come home again.

Marcus put his own liberty and body on the line for those suffering from the climate crisis. But he is more than just an activist - anyone that knows Marcus knows he is a gentle, thoughtful and compassionate human being who would only act proportionately to the crisis we all face. This is the man that I love. A man who sang my children to sleep at night.

Every day could now be the day that the dreaded letter from the Home Office arrives. Marcus will then have 20 days to appeal the deportation decision.

It is not too late to stop his deportation. Chris Packham has already called for Marcus to be released. If enough people tell the Home Office that no one should ever be deported for peaceful protest, we still stand a chance.

This moment will affect the rest of Marcus' life. Please help us make it a life spent together with his family and his community.

- Holly, Marcus’ partner

My mother worked tirelessly for 19 years to escape the concrete jungle of rented accommodation in Kent. She finally managed to purchase a home, a sanctuary, only to be told that it is now slated for demolition. This is not just our story; it's the story of over 500 families in the Abbey estate of Thetford who are facing displacement due to Flagship's plans.

There have been many people who have moved to this estate and have lived here since the late 1960's and early 1970's which is when the estate was built, people who have been living here since they were children and those who have also bought houses here only to then be told that they will be moving to a different place, and there is no way of them finding out where or when exactly this will be taking place.Flagship has proposed demolishing over 500 homes and building more than 900 new ones, leading not only to a loss of green space behind the houses and also in the forest behind, but also creating an environment akin to a concrete jungle. The increase in buildings will inevitably lead to higher CO2 emissions, contributing negatively towards climate change and wildlife at a time when we should be working towards reducing our carbon footprint. CO2 emissions also lead to those who suffer with respiratory issues such as Asthma, Coronary Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pneumonia and more suffering than they currently have.

Furthermore, this densification will result in overcrowding which could potentially escalate crime rates and antisocial behaviour within the community.

Our community deserves better than this - we deserve homes that are secure and neighbourhoods that are safe with ample green spaces for children and adults alike.We urge you all - residents of Thetford or anyone who believes in preserving communities and protecting our environment - sign this petition today! Let us stand together against these destructive plans by Flagship and demand they reconsider their proposal for the sake of current residents as well as future generations.

WE ARE A TOWN NOT A CITY!

The Victoria Hall in Auchtermuchty is a historic building in the centre of town dating back to the 1860s. It is currently run by Fife Council and has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. When the building was open it was used for a variety of activities in the village such as parties, classes, clubs, dances, a cinema, events, plays, pantomimes- the list goes on.

During one of the recent storms the roof was damaged, this has since been repaired, however the building has remained closed due to safety concerns with the ceiling inside. With no official survey having taken place, the actual damage to the ceiling is unknown, but the building has remained closed.

Due to the Victoria Hall being a listed building on the outside and the inside, the repairs therefore have to be done with lath and plaster- this is an expensive, extensive and specialist method. Further investigations and inspections have shown that the stage also requires re-enforcing with a steel beam running underneath it.

As all this work is very expensive, I believe the council are reluctant to spend such large sums of money on a hall that had very poor income before its closure in 2020.We want to put it to you all that if the community wants the hall to re-open, we must show the council that the community is willing to utilise this hall and use it regularly if the repairs are carried out- making it worth the time and the money.

Several groups in the town have had to move to the Church Hall and other venues within the town, however this has been a large upheaval. The Church Hall, although very well equipped inside has the problem of disabled access as it is located on a very steep hill. Although it has a stair lift, this becomes very difficult to use efficiently when a large amount of people are entering the hall at the same time, leaving the person on the chairlift feeling very uncomfortable. Therefore this venue is perhaps making those who require additional walking aids feel excluded from events held here.The town hall has no disabled access and has limited space inside. The community centre, although disabled friendly, has only the sports hall as a large area- which isn't appropriate for all large events held within the town.

We do not want the Victoria Hall to close indefinitely. With a constantly growing and developing community the town is severely lacking in facilities that fit the needs of the people. This hall is the only one which has a large capacity, flexible uses, a built in stage and sufficient disabled access.

Please sign our petition so we can show the council that the community desperately want our hall back!

Having being hospitalised and on the brink of death from anorexia once before, when I relapsed in 2016 I was terrified of ending up in hospital again. Getting to that point where I would lose control. That relentless anorexic voice nagging at me day in and day out.After four months of battling with that voice in my head I decided it was time I reached out for help. I referred myself and got an appointment at an Eating Disorder Unit in London only to be told “I wasn’t thin enough for support”.I left the appointment not sure what to do, all I had wanted was someone to talk to, someone to take my relapse seriously and to give me some help. I felt like a fake. A hypocrite.

The month that followed was a mess. I couldn’t shake that anorexic voice that was slowly destroying me again, making me feel suicidal, taking over my every waking moment. One evening I sat at the train station for hours and just wanted to give up on life altogether. I remember thinking about how much better life would be for everyone if I wasn’t here. Something stopped me that evening ending my life altogether and I had this realisation that if I wasn’t thin enough for treatment I would have to manage this on my own.

My story isn’t unique but a daily occurrence for people with all eating disorders who are seeking treatment.

When asked to imagine someone suffering with an eating disorder, most will imagine a stick thin, gaunt looking girl. But this is not the reality of eating disorders.People with eating disorders are currently not getting a fair deal in society.

Despite the guidance too often individuals are turned away from receiving essential support because they aren’t skinny enough to be considered at risk. This leaves the individual feeling like they aren’t worth getting that support, feeling like a “fake”, potentially losing more weight to hit that target and in some cases feeling suicidal. This is why I’m calling on the government to review the eating disorder guidance delivered by clinicians.

We know that early diagnosis is a critical element in the success of treatment for eating disorders and by the time 'obvious' signs of eating disorders have manifested, it is likely that the illness will have become ingrained in the individual, and therefore much more difficult to treat. If we want to prevent people getting more unwell, save the NHS money, prevent hospital admission and save lives we need to have this review and ensure that we get full implementation of the clinical guidance around diagnosis. The guidelines are right but these are not being uniformly implemented across the nation to the detriment of thousands of people daily. It is time we stopped waiting for people to hit crisis point before offering them support. We need to be able to make sure that people with eating disorders are getting the right support in a timely manner. With 1.25 million people in the UK living with an eating disorder we can’t afford to wait any longer the time to act is now. #DumpTheScales

I am a resident of Portishead, working and shopping locally and enjoying the green spaces our town has to offer.

The recent proposal by North Somerset Council to implement parking charges on public car parks along the High Street, also Roath Road and the Lake Grounds is deeply concerning.

This decision will not only affect me but also my fellow residents, local businesses, and visitors who rely on these free parking spaces.The proposed charges will have a detrimental effect on our town's social fabric and trade economy. Local businesses depend heavily on customers who use these car parks. Implementing charges could deter potential customers, stifling the growth of our local economy.Furthermore, safety is another major concern that needs addressing. If these car parks are no longer free, people will likely resort to parking for free on nearby residential roads. This could lead to congestion issues making life difficult for those already living there, people will also park in dangerous positions on corners and pavements near shops, houses and schools. Which let's face it, people are already starting to do.The same applies to the green space of Lake Grounds- an area cherished by many residents for its tranquility and beauty. It's a play area for families and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy. Visitors looking for free parking might crowd residential roads around this area too, disrupting peace in our community and making parking unsafe near the nurseries and play areas.We must remember that public spaces like Roath Road Car Park and the Lake Grounds are vital assets that contribute significantly towards making Portishead a safe and happy place to live in.

At the moment, we are a busy High Street with a buzzing community of independent businesses. We rely so much on easy free access to car parks, or people will just drive by to the next town or village, which is more convenient to park.

The British Retail Consortium data shows the introduction of parking charges can result in a 14% reduction in footfall (source: British Retail Consortium) which will have dire impacts on our shops, hairdressers and cafes with a possibility of it leading to closures. And where employees park as they are effectively paying to work in the High Street?

Let us stand together against this proposal - not just as individuals affected by it but as proud members of the Portishead community who care about its future prosperity. Sign this petition now to stop North Somerset Council from implementing these proposed parking charges.

Shropshire Council are proposing to close the School Library Service which is housed at Shire Hall and provides exciting resources, books and artefacts to the vast majority of schools across the county who buy into this service without any public consultation. It is an amazing hub and Shropshire should be proud of the investment in supporting children with reading. All the educational research shows if children enjoy reading then they make the best progress in their education.

The School Library Service - SLS- create exciting topic boxes and mixes of books to engage and support children - children in schools get excited to see the boxes come in and explore what is in them. Closing the School Library Service will barely make a dent in Shropshire’s deficit but it will take books out of the hands of children and entrench educational disadvantage. Please sign below and ask the Council to rethink this decision before this valuable resource is lost for all future generations of Shropshire children. If 1000 people sign then the Council will have to have a debate on this decision.We the undersigned demand a formal consultation on the decision to close the SLS, plus a commitment to rapidly explore and report on options to rehouse the existing library and maintain the service in some form, within a month and before any actions are taken to close it

As many of you know, I run the ESSEX BOXING KICKBOXING/FITNESS ACADEMY (formerly Belhus Boxing Club) that is directly next door to this former Police Station.

You can only image our outrage at the proposed planning application for this former Police station to now become a gym. Seriously? next door to our gym?

I have been inundated with people messaging me in disgust at this ridiculous planning proposal. You can appreciate, this is an unfair proposal that will give them a commercial advantage over our gym, which has served the local community, mainly children, over the past 60 years.

Building a gym next door would cause a financial burden on our possible future memberships that we rely on. It is unacceptable that a big gym chain can open next door, having a commercial advantage over us, and hurt our gym financially, especially to our members, who have devoted so much time and effort in training and to the parents who bring their kids to our gym to keeping them off the streets and give them a purposeful hobby that as you know, teaching so many great values in life.

We also have planning put forward to have our current building taken down and rebuilt with a brand new state-of-the-art gym that will not only be a brand new facility for the local community, but continue to provide the community, especially the kids with somewhere to train, as we have been doing for decades.

If you are in support of opposing this planning application, please sign this petition. I have spoken to the planning / development department of the council and the gentleman told me that they will also welcome objections / complaints at this official email address:

development.management@thurrock.gov.uk

and in your email please quotereference number: 24/00333/FUL

The Council has informed me that the more objections put forward, the more likely they will get a refusal for planning— so its power in numbers, so please email asap, as the council planning will decide on May 29th, so now is the time to fight.

Let's keep these giant companies from taking over.-Steve Kerridge