We all love our animals and what the very best for them. The more people join together the more likely chances will happen.

We all know that we are facing a Nature and Climate emergency, and with the news this week that the UK is one of the most nature-deprived countries in the world (1), it is even more urgent that we make and protect space for wildlife in our local communities. Let’s campaign with Action on Climate in Teignbridge (ACT) to create a space for nature here in Holcombe. It is envisioned that a Community Wildlife Area, could be created on Hall Lane, in Holcombe, near Dawlish, and might include the following: • An unsurfaced path looping around the site, giving the public access whilst limiting disturbance to wildlife. • Benches. • An earth bund to remark the top of the site. • A community wildflower garden with agroforestry trees - including nuts and fruit • Information boards about local wildlife and other signage to promote education and appropriate access. • Encouraging and developing a mosaic of habitats including hedges, wet woodland, seasonal flood zone. • Installation of reptile hibernaculum, bird and bat boxes to encourage colonisation. • Managing the Streamside habitat to promote well balanced and diverse populations of flora and fauna; possibly with the inclusion of a lined pond. • Ensure that this trail meets the needs of less mobile people. • Promote wellbeing - with quiet areas, and sensory areas. The area, owned by Devon County Council Estates, has not been used for farming and has been unused scrub-land for some considerable time. The area is prone to freshwater flooding and is a rare wet woodland area - which we would like to enhance, adding a wildflower meadow, a community education area, storage for maintenance tools/kettle, and an agroforestry area - offering nuts and fruit for the community. There are lots of initiatives now currently seeking to encourage the planting of wildflowers to help combat climate change, help wildlife and pollinators and to transform our own wellbeing. We feel this area could easily become, with a little work, a wildlife area the local community could really be proud about. References: 1) https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2023/september/one-in-six-species-at-risk-of-going-extinct-in-great-britain.html https://www.wwf.org.uk/future-of-uk-nature https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-66923930

As someone personally affected by long-term anxiety and depression, I understand the struggles faced by individuals who are unable to work due to mental health conditions. It is disheartening that the current Universal Credit system fails to provide adequate support, leaving many individuals, including myself, in a constant state of financial insecurity. Universal Credit has awarded me a mere £276.00 per month to cover all my living expenses. This amount barely covers my monthly bills and leaves me with no room for essential needs such as food or clothing. Within just four days of receiving my payment, it is entirely depleted, leaving me without any financial resources for nearly an entire month until the next payment arrives. The current system also places additional burdens on those already struggling financially. While Universal Credit does contribute towards my rent payments, I am still required to find an extra £70 each month out of pocket. This becomes increasingly challenging when direct debit payments and other essential expenses arise. It is evident that families across England are facing similar hardships due to insufficient support from Universal Credit. The inability to meet basic needs not only affects individuals but also impacts their overall well-being and quality of life. To bring about meaningful change and alleviate the distress experienced by countless people like myself, we urgently call upon Universal Payments authorities to increase monthly allowances by £400 per person receiving benefits under the current system. By raising universal payments adequately, we can ensure that individuals have sufficient funds not only for their immediate needs but also for long-term stability and security. This increase will enable recipients like myself to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, healthcare expenses while still having some semblance of financial stability throughout each month. We acknowledge that implementing this change will require careful consideration from policymakers regarding budget allocation. However, it is crucial to recognize the long-term benefits of investing in the well-being and livelihoods of individuals who rely on Universal Credit. We urge Universal Payments authorities to take immediate action and address this pressing issue. Together, let us strive for a fairer and more compassionate society that supports those facing financial hardships through no fault of their own. Sign this petition today to demand an increase in Universal Payments by £400 per month, ensuring a better quality of life for all recipients. Let us stand united in advocating for change and creating a more equitable future. Thank you for your support!

A shocking BBC investigation has uncovered widespread abuse of body-worn cameras by police officers. In some cases, officers are turning off cameras right before using force on members of the public. They’re also DELETING crucial footage and sharing sensitive videos in private WhatsApp groups. What’s worse, under the current guidelines - they can get away with it! With the policing watchdog warning that confidence in the police is at its lowest point ever, the Home Office must take robust measures to increase transparency in policing. Suella Braverman needs to make it compulsory for officers to keep their body cams on while on duty and hand over all relevant footage for trials.

The children of today will be tomorrow’s adults, it will be they who take up the mantel of responsibility, who manage tomorrow’s affairs, who run hospitals, schools, businesses infrastructure and local and central government. It is vital that, within the current political climate, there is a minister whose sole brief is how political, and cultural health influences directly impact their lives. A generation affected by so much missed schooling, open to so many different changes in social media, which are often spreading misinformation and conspiracies alongside some quite disturbing attitudes towards treating others and their views, is a generation clearly in need of increased oversight and safeguarding by someone who can raise these issues quickly at the highest level of government. If we want to improve the chances of the future generations who will take the reins in a few decades we don't want to fail our children as recent reporting as evidenced, we all want to see our government protect our children, so it's time to put children first or risk losing our support.

The Keepmoat development in the Central Park area of Darlington is a consistent issue for residents. The residents of Central Park have had to put with years of delays from Keepmoat. They deserve to live in an area that is continuously used as a building site. Ensure the roads are of a high standard in which the Council can take ownership, creating a paved area at John Dixon Lane/John Williams Boulevard and the promised bus gate, and ensuring all construction has ended.

There are over 14 million Disabled people in the UK. Some of us are treated more unfairly than others. But we have lots of things in common. We all want to live in an inclusive society. We want to live in a community where everyone has a fulfilling life. We want everyone to feel connected and valued. We are asking the next UK Government to bring in a programme to make big changes in society. This programme should change how decisions are made and how funding is allocated. Right now,the way things are done slt in discrimination against Disabled people. The Disabled People's Manifesto sets out what we want them to do to end this discrimination. We all want the right support to be there when we need it. Our plan asks for four key things to be put in place: •Representation and Voice: We want to have a voice and have a say about things that are important to us. Nothing about us without us. •Rights: We want to have the same rights as everyone else. •Independence: We want the same choice and controlover our lives as everyone else. •Inclusion: We want to be included in society as equal citizens.

It’s been leaked that Rishi Sunak is ripping up promises meant to stop climate catastrophe. He’s claiming that it’s to help people with the cost of living crisis. But things like banning petrol cars aren’t due until 2030, so how does this help families struggling now? It puts green jobs in jeopardy and risks our children’s futures. The PM’s own party is turning against him, business leaders are up in arms, and it’s all over the news. What’s missing is the voice of the public. Sunak is doing this to try and win votes, but what he doesn’t know is that people across the UK are shocked and appalled by his actions. We need our voice - the public’s voice - alongside pro-green politicians and business leaders, to be part of a MASSIVE backlash so Rishi Sunak is forced to reverse these plans for fear of losing votes, the next election, and his job as leader and Prime Minister.

What will happen if we can’t keep the sports centre? • We will lose the Sports Centre swimming pool and a home for many successful swimming groups that benefit people of all ages, including hundreds of children that are learning to swim. • No sports halls, gyms and training grounds means no home for sports clubs. • We lose an important centre for the community to join together The sports centre has been a nurturing ground for many local sports teams and clubs. Its closure will deprive these teams of their training facilities, jeopardising their continuity and stifling the growth of sports in our community. These groups play a significant role in improving people’s lifestyles and promoting healthy living. Some of the many clubs that will be affected are: • Eastbourne Swimming Club. • Team BodyWorks Triathlon Club • CACL • Eastbourne Town Football Club • Red Lion Shotokan Karate Club • Eastbourne Neptunes Basketball Club • Eastbourne Volleyball Club • Eastbourne Netball Club • Yoga Serious impact on health services... The sports centre is a resource that fills gaps in the provision of vital health services in Eastbourne these are likely to disappear from the area. Deterioration of Eastbourne’s social fabric and potential loss of jobs... The sports centre serves as a social hub, bringing together individuals from everywhere in Eastbourne. Its closure would disrupt the social fabric of our community, leaving many without a place to gather, interact and build valuable relationships. The closure would result in the displacement of dedicated staff members who have been an integral part of our community for years. For more information or to join the Save Our Meads Sports Centre mailing list, please email: [email protected]

Considerable scientific research, consolidated in the government-commissioned London School of Economics (LSE) Review of the Evidence of Sentience in Cephalopod Molluscs and Decapod Crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, has highlighted the advanced nervous systems of crustaceans, confirming their capacity to feel pain and distress - including when being boiled alive. Following the formal recognition of their sentience in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) should take immediate action to implement explicit guidelines for legally compliant and humane killing methods for decapod crustaceans. By taking these steps, Defra can lead the way in promoting humane treatment, aligning its practices with the law and its ethical responsibilities. We call upon you to make a stand for the legal protection of crustaceans and to ensure that their welfare is considered. We the undersigned firmly believe that it's time to replace pain with welfare at the time of killing for crustaceans. The absence of clear guidelines around their killing methods leaves these creatures vulnerable to inhumane practices that go against our national values of compassion and ethical treatment for animals. (www.gov.uk/government/news/lobsters-octopus-and-crabs-recognised-as-sentient-beings).

Lack of Public Discourse: The Home Office's refusal to engage in open, transparent, and inclusive conversations about cannabis policy denies the British public the opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas on a matter that affects millions of citizens. Selective Adherence to Expert Advice: The revelation that the Home Office disregarded the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs' recommendation for drug decriminalization while acting on other advice raises questions about the consistency and transparency of decision-making. Impact on Communities: Current cannabis policies have real-life consequences, including criminalization, disproportionate law enforcement, and potential harm to individuals and communities. These policies should be reviewed impartially to ensure they are effective and just. Our Concerns: We are concerned about the perception that certain decisions regarding cannabis policy may have been influenced by interests outside the realm of public welfare. It is important that any investigation into Home Office cannabis policy includes a careful examination of the factors, including potential industry interests, that have influenced decision-making. This should be done to ensure that policies are developed and implemented in the best interests of the public. Our Request: We call upon the UK government to launch a formal investigation into the Home Office's handling of cannabis policy. This investigation should include, but not be limited to: 1 - An examination of the decision-making process regarding cannabis policy, including the factors considered and the extent to which expert advice is followed. 2 - A review of the impact of current cannabis policies on individuals, communities, and public health. 3 - An assessment of the Home Office's commitment to transparent and inclusive public conversations on drug policy matters. We believe that a comprehensive investigation is essential to ensure that drug policies in the UK are grounded in evidence, promote public well-being, and reflect the values of an informed and engaged society. Conclusion: By signing this petition, you join us in urging the UK government to conduct a thorough investigation into the Home Office's handling of cannabis policy. We believe that transparency, fairness, and evidence-based decision-making are essential in shaping policies that impact the lives of millions. This petition aims to gather public support and bring attention to the need for a fair and impartial assessment of cannabis policy in the UK, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and adherence to expert advice, while remaining open to a wide range of concerns.

Too many breeds being tarnished by the same brush when really the reality is it’s down to irresponsible owners.