The folks at Compass are rallying the troops behind the re-election of Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone. If you are so inclined give this blurb a read. Please check-out their website (http://www.compassonline.org.uk/campaigns/campaign.asp?n=1364) for residency requirements to vote in this election.
As a USA citizen and resident I am not eligible to vote in this election still I must say that I feel London is all the better under the stewardship of Mayor, Ken Livingstone. Pass the word along to any Londoners able to vote. The election is Thursday, 01st May 2008.
From the folks at Compass:
100 leading figures say: ‘Time to stand and fight to ensure that Livingstone wins’ Monday, February 25, 2008
Leaders from across the centre-left, civil society and from all corners of the UK, have today urged every progressive voter; activist and organisation to get behind the campaign to re-elect Ken Livingstone, in a statement co-ordinated by Compass.
Left leaning celebrities, academics, writers, journalists, campaigners, trade unionists and politicians are backing Livingstone because they know London faces a clear choice: to build on the progressive achievements of the last eight years or watch it go up in smoke if Johnson wins. The Tories and the Evening Standard are trying to destroy Livingstone because his defeat would pave the way for a Conservative general election win, destroying the hopes of progressives and leave the most vulnerable in the Capital prey to the reactionary politics of the right-wing Johnson.
High-profile signatories to the statement include: Diane Abbott MP (Hackney North & Stoke Newington); Professor Zygmunt Bauman; Sir Jeremy Beecham, LGA Labour Group Leader; Tony Benn; Billy Bragg, Singer and Song Writer; Beatrix Campbell, Writer and Broadcaster; Jon Cruddas MP, (Barking & Dagenham); Billy Hayes, General Secretary, CWU; Kate Hudson, Chair, CND; Sunder Katwala, General Secretary, The Fabian Society (in a personal capacity); Baroness Helena Kennedy QC; Neal Lawson, Chair, Compass; Professor Ruth Lister CBE; Professor Julian Le Grand; David Martin MEP; Robert Philpot, Director, Progress; Dave Prentis, General Secretary, UNISON; Lord David Puttnam CBE; Tony Robinson, Actor and Broadcaster; Professor Richard Sennett LSE; Polly Toynbee, Journalist; Jon Trickett MP (Hemsworth); Gemma Tumelty, President, NUS (in a personal capacity); Chuka Umunna, Compass.
The statement reads: "On 1st May London will elect a Mayor. It will either be Ken Livingstone or Boris Johnson. Livingstone has been the front runner for re-election but alarm bells may be sounding."
"Livingstone's record is impressive. Not least the Congestion Charge, which was as brave a political move as anyone has made in British politics for years. On this issue Livingstone made the weather against the odds. Millions now enjoy better and cheaper public transport. When we look around London we see a public realm that has been transformed with renovated squares, parks and river banks for everyone to enjoy and share. It is a London at ease with its multi-cultural identity, and Livingstone has played a decisive role in that. This is the politics of equality and real opportunity."
"London is a fairer, more tolerant and sustainable city because of Ken Livingstone and all that is put in jeopardy unless we act."
"The battle lines are clear. We urge every progressive voter, activist and organisation to get behind the campaign to re-elect Ken Livingstone."
Compass Chair Neal Lawson said: "The mayoral election is a about a more equal, democratic and sustainable London. All that is threatened if Boris Johnson wins. It's not just about the Capital but the future of progressive left politics. By taking chances on issues like congestion charging Livingstone has shown the left can mix power and principle into a winning formula that has benefited the lives of millions."For further information contact Gavin Hayes on 0207 463 0633 / 07900 195591, Chuka Umunna on 07766811878 or Neal Lawson on 07976 292522. Or sign up to the statement on the campaigns pages.Sign up to our statement on the Mayor of London election
Showing posts with label Mayor of London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mayor of London. Show all posts
25 February 2008
09 February 2008
Capitalwoman 2008 just over 4 weeks away
CAPITALWOMAN 2008 - now in its eighth year, will be held on International Women’s Day on Saturday, 8th March at Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre and Central Hall Westminster, London, England. Hosted by the Mayor of London's Office, Ken Livingstone. Register by 29th February 2008 (http://www.london.gov.uk/capitalwoman/register.jsp), and don't miss your chance for an audience with American civil rights activist, academic, writer and icon - Angela Davis. Please note this all day event is free.
Speakers include:
Diane Abbott MP
Maria Adebowale Director, Capacity Global
Angela Back General Manager, Metropolitan Line, London Underground
Khalida Begum Stress Engineer, Airbus UK
Karen Buck MPHarriet Bulkeley Tyndall Centre
Wendy Cartwright Head of HR, Olympic Delivery Authority
Helen Davies, Manager Health Team, GLA
Angela Davis Activist, academic & writer
Terri Dial Group Executive Director, Lloyds TSB
Michelle Dix Transport for London
Eleanor Fawcett Design for LondonMaggie Fuller, Carpenter, Women and Manual Trades
Nicky Gavron Deputy Mayor of London
Alison Gowman Solicitor, DLA Piper and Alderman in the City of London
Angela Greatley Chief Executive of the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health
Samantha Heath Director, London Sustainability Exchange
Peter Hendy CBE Commissioner, Transport for London
Clare Kavanagh Director of Performance, London Buses, Surface Transport
Jean Kerrigan London Tenants' Federation & Chair, Community Engagement Sub Group of the Mayor's Housing Forum
Debra Levison Housing Policy Manager, GLA
Ken Livingstone Mayor of London
Jayati Pakrashi Site Assistant Engineer, Balfour Beatty
Jackie Peacock Executive Director, Brent Private Tenants' Rights Group
Daghni Rajasingam, Consultant Obstetrician, Guys & St Thomas'
Yarlini Rajesparan Mouchel, Team Leader, Smarter Travel Team
Susan Robinson Plumber
Shirley Rodrigues Head of Environment, GLA
Dame Ruth Silver Lewisham College
Dr Sophia Skyers Skyers-Poorman Research and Consulting
Dana SkelleyChartered civil engineer, Transport for London
Liz Smith OBEDirector, Unionlearn
Carole Spiers Empowerment expert
Sam Stevens Enabling Works, Olympic Delivery Authority Delivery Partner
Barbara Switzer President, National Assembly of Women
Sue TibballsWomen’s Sport and Fitness and Foundation (WSFF)
14 January 2008
Memories of my first Capitalwoman conference
I have traveled to London for many years and for brief periods of time I have lived in the capital, so I have pretty much exhausted the whole tourist experience. And now when I venture across the pond it is to see friends and to attend specific events.
I attended my first CapitalWoman conference in 2004. I found the all day free event given by the Mayor of London’s Office, Ken Livingstone while on one of my numerous internet searches seeking out any and all information on British Women’s and or interfaith events. A link led me to CapitalWoman 2004’s website and there I emailed the Mayor’s Office informing them that I was an American national and Anglophile who would love to attend the event. Receipt of my email was acknowledged a day or two later and within a few weeks my invitation was in my hand via snail mail.
Words simply cannot explain the buzz I felt about attending this event completely unknown to me. Why you might ask? Well as previously mentioned I am an Anglophile, and I am also a feminist and my politics and world view tends to be global in nature……………………………………………………………..So my feeling was attending an event in London (the most global of all the world capitals) for women was a culmination of who and what I am. Please note however that you do not need to be a feminist to feel comfortable at Capitalwoman, as women from all political stripes and dispositions are equally welcomed.
So I was off. I arrived in London on Friday, 05th March 2004 and that day was spent recouping from the flight and preparing for Capitalwoman. That meant laying out a carefully crafted outfit that would literally carry me through the day, packing a camera to have a record of the day forever, taking a large bag to bring back loads of brochures and pamphlets and packing a few healthy snacks.
Before retiring I ran a couple of quick errands to purchase something for lunch and later for dinner. Then I retired to my very modest, but quite functional and safe hotel in Russell Square to call a few friends and watch a little telly. The night of Friday, 05th March 2004 was an early one for me.
I must say I still remember that morning awaking and feeling like I was starting my first day of school. In 2004 I have been crossing the pond for 17 years, but this event I knew would be something different………something special. I quickly ate breakfast, worked out, bathed and dressed. With my arsenal of previously packed items I was off towards the Russell Street Tube station on the Picadilly Line. Capitalwoman 2004 was (as subsequent Capitalwoman’s) held at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, so that meant taking the Russell Square tube to the Green Park stop and changing to the Jubilee Line and getting off at Westminister.
Now getting to Westminister was an easy task, but as I have the sense of direction of al bat with broken sonar I was concerned as I rode the escalators up from the belly of the Westminster tube station. I could feel my anxiety growing, but just as I was about to sigh aloud I saw a London cop. As I walked towards the officer in a heavy, lovely, robust, British accent he asked,” Looking for Capitalwoman luv?” My smile told him that he was right. He quickly pointed me in the right direction.
At first I assumed that this London cop must have been a psychic, as he answered my question without me ever giving voice to it…………………………………………But my momentary fleet of fancy was dashed when he said that every other woman in Westminster tube station seemed to be heading to Capitalwoman. In any case I was most grateful for his preemptive assistance.
As I quickly made my way across the street and prepared to cross the street I saw two other women looking at the back of what I knew were the Capitalwoman invitations. I struck up a conversation with the two women and quickly found out that the two ladies were old friends indeed heading to what turned out to also be their first Capitalwoman. Though I was not concerned about attending Capitalwoman 2004 on my own it was nice to have others to share the experience with.
Once at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre there was a short wait in line for the doors to open at 9am. Inside we were quickly and very efficiently registered at one of the many registration points based on your surname (last name). With Capitalwoman 2004 packets in hand we headed upstairs for our choice of light refreshments such as coffee, tea, water, and biscuits (cookies).
Shortly after 10am the conference was ready to start. There was audio visual presentation to open the conference then the speakers began. There was Jenny Jones, Deputy Mayor of London, Mary Turner GMB, Polly Toynbee a journalist, Julie Fernandez an actor and Diane Abbott, MP and Britain first black woman MP to name a few. Finally there was a talk by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone followed by questions and answers. The speakers are well informed posed and give a view of London that is without comparison.
By 12:30pm we broke for an hour lunch and had our choice of prepared sandwiches and fruit bagged lunches. There were vegan and vegetarian options for those of us so included. During this time you could hear the buzz of 100’s and 100’s of women meeting and greeting each other. People were making new friends and reacquainting with old. The wonderfully healthy and satisfying lunches while most appreciated were the least of our concerns……………………………..we were all networking. The conference presented opportunities for connections in the political, career, health care, economic, inter-faith and realms.
Then there were stalls by the dozens offering information on adoption, careers, higher education, various government agencies, etc, etc, etc…………………………The potential for information overload was there and appreciated.
From 1:30pm – 2:40pm you had your choice of 5 seminar topics that covered such topics as London 2012 (referring to the then preparation for the Olympic bid), the London Childcare strategy, Towards an anti racist London, Open Space, Women’s place, and Delivering London’s domestic Violence strategy. I must admit I jumped between three of the conferences, as I could not settle on one.
There was another refreshment break from 2:45pm – 3pm with a chance to physically refuel and to again network with the diverse crowd of women in attendance.
At 3:05pm another round of seminars began that went to 4:15pm. This time the sessions covered, London transport, safer travel and future initiatives for women, Women in London’s economy, Women and the criminal justice system, Women and work in a global city and The case for a Single Equalities Act. Again I hopped between several seminars.
By 4:15pm the closing comments were started. And shortly before 5:30pm Capitalwoman 2004 was history.
The conference was brilliant. It was well organized and well attended by almost 2,000 women. If you are crossing the pond for International Women’s Day consider registering for Capitalwoman 2008. It promises to be equally if not more edifying than conferences of the past. In addition American iconic, civil rights activist, Angela Davis is an honored speaker. Capitalwoman 2008 is on Saturday, 08th March 2008.
Hope to see you there: http://www.london.gov.uk/capitalwoman/
I attended my first CapitalWoman conference in 2004. I found the all day free event given by the Mayor of London’s Office, Ken Livingstone while on one of my numerous internet searches seeking out any and all information on British Women’s and or interfaith events. A link led me to CapitalWoman 2004’s website and there I emailed the Mayor’s Office informing them that I was an American national and Anglophile who would love to attend the event. Receipt of my email was acknowledged a day or two later and within a few weeks my invitation was in my hand via snail mail.
Words simply cannot explain the buzz I felt about attending this event completely unknown to me. Why you might ask? Well as previously mentioned I am an Anglophile, and I am also a feminist and my politics and world view tends to be global in nature……………………………………………………………..So my feeling was attending an event in London (the most global of all the world capitals) for women was a culmination of who and what I am. Please note however that you do not need to be a feminist to feel comfortable at Capitalwoman, as women from all political stripes and dispositions are equally welcomed.
So I was off. I arrived in London on Friday, 05th March 2004 and that day was spent recouping from the flight and preparing for Capitalwoman. That meant laying out a carefully crafted outfit that would literally carry me through the day, packing a camera to have a record of the day forever, taking a large bag to bring back loads of brochures and pamphlets and packing a few healthy snacks.
Before retiring I ran a couple of quick errands to purchase something for lunch and later for dinner. Then I retired to my very modest, but quite functional and safe hotel in Russell Square to call a few friends and watch a little telly. The night of Friday, 05th March 2004 was an early one for me.
I must say I still remember that morning awaking and feeling like I was starting my first day of school. In 2004 I have been crossing the pond for 17 years, but this event I knew would be something different………something special. I quickly ate breakfast, worked out, bathed and dressed. With my arsenal of previously packed items I was off towards the Russell Street Tube station on the Picadilly Line. Capitalwoman 2004 was (as subsequent Capitalwoman’s) held at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, so that meant taking the Russell Square tube to the Green Park stop and changing to the Jubilee Line and getting off at Westminister.
Now getting to Westminister was an easy task, but as I have the sense of direction of al bat with broken sonar I was concerned as I rode the escalators up from the belly of the Westminster tube station. I could feel my anxiety growing, but just as I was about to sigh aloud I saw a London cop. As I walked towards the officer in a heavy, lovely, robust, British accent he asked,” Looking for Capitalwoman luv?” My smile told him that he was right. He quickly pointed me in the right direction.
At first I assumed that this London cop must have been a psychic, as he answered my question without me ever giving voice to it…………………………………………But my momentary fleet of fancy was dashed when he said that every other woman in Westminster tube station seemed to be heading to Capitalwoman. In any case I was most grateful for his preemptive assistance.
As I quickly made my way across the street and prepared to cross the street I saw two other women looking at the back of what I knew were the Capitalwoman invitations. I struck up a conversation with the two women and quickly found out that the two ladies were old friends indeed heading to what turned out to also be their first Capitalwoman. Though I was not concerned about attending Capitalwoman 2004 on my own it was nice to have others to share the experience with.
Once at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre there was a short wait in line for the doors to open at 9am. Inside we were quickly and very efficiently registered at one of the many registration points based on your surname (last name). With Capitalwoman 2004 packets in hand we headed upstairs for our choice of light refreshments such as coffee, tea, water, and biscuits (cookies).
Shortly after 10am the conference was ready to start. There was audio visual presentation to open the conference then the speakers began. There was Jenny Jones, Deputy Mayor of London, Mary Turner GMB, Polly Toynbee a journalist, Julie Fernandez an actor and Diane Abbott, MP and Britain first black woman MP to name a few. Finally there was a talk by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone followed by questions and answers. The speakers are well informed posed and give a view of London that is without comparison.
By 12:30pm we broke for an hour lunch and had our choice of prepared sandwiches and fruit bagged lunches. There were vegan and vegetarian options for those of us so included. During this time you could hear the buzz of 100’s and 100’s of women meeting and greeting each other. People were making new friends and reacquainting with old. The wonderfully healthy and satisfying lunches while most appreciated were the least of our concerns……………………………..we were all networking. The conference presented opportunities for connections in the political, career, health care, economic, inter-faith and realms.
Then there were stalls by the dozens offering information on adoption, careers, higher education, various government agencies, etc, etc, etc…………………………The potential for information overload was there and appreciated.
From 1:30pm – 2:40pm you had your choice of 5 seminar topics that covered such topics as London 2012 (referring to the then preparation for the Olympic bid), the London Childcare strategy, Towards an anti racist London, Open Space, Women’s place, and Delivering London’s domestic Violence strategy. I must admit I jumped between three of the conferences, as I could not settle on one.
There was another refreshment break from 2:45pm – 3pm with a chance to physically refuel and to again network with the diverse crowd of women in attendance.
At 3:05pm another round of seminars began that went to 4:15pm. This time the sessions covered, London transport, safer travel and future initiatives for women, Women in London’s economy, Women and the criminal justice system, Women and work in a global city and The case for a Single Equalities Act. Again I hopped between several seminars.
By 4:15pm the closing comments were started. And shortly before 5:30pm Capitalwoman 2004 was history.
The conference was brilliant. It was well organized and well attended by almost 2,000 women. If you are crossing the pond for International Women’s Day consider registering for Capitalwoman 2008. It promises to be equally if not more edifying than conferences of the past. In addition American iconic, civil rights activist, Angela Davis is an honored speaker. Capitalwoman 2008 is on Saturday, 08th March 2008.
Hope to see you there: http://www.london.gov.uk/capitalwoman/
25 December 2007
Capitalwoman2008
Capitalwoman sponsored by Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London’s office, is now in its eighth year, will kick off International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March 2008 at Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre and Central Hall Westminster in London.
Offering your chance to have a say in the way the capital is run. There’ll be an exciting programme of workshops, exhibitions, non-traditional careers and business advice as well as fashion, film comedy and music. Also you have the unique opportunity to network with women from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures.
Lastly don't miss this chance to see Angela Davis, one of the most iconic faces of black politics in 1970s America, talk about her life and take questions.
Register online by reserving your place at this inspiring, entertaining and informative free event celebrating London's women.
For more information go to:
http://www.london.gov.uk/capitalwoman/
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