Ealing North
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Steve Pound MP Ealing North |
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December 2004 - Gazette Article Signing petitions may not seem the most productive use of your time but here is a proposal that will actually save lives. Whilst browsing through the draft European Treaty a few of us discovered a clause (Section 1-47[4]) which provides a mechanism for the Commission to have to consider any petition of a million signatures and to make a proposal for action. Currently the obscenely bloated Common Agricultural Policy directs forty billion euros to European farmers with a quarter of this going to the richest 2% of farmers. We’re proposing a petition – along with five other European countries – calling on the commission to cut half of the amount going to the richest 2% and spend the lot on the ten million children orphaned by AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. 98% of farmers in Europe won’t be affected but I have to admit that it is bad news for the Duke of Westminster and the “barley barons” of East Anglia. Assuming that we are able to live with this then surely this is a campaign worth fighting for? Although we haven’t had the referendum on the European Constitution yet the moral force of the first ever million signature petition would be impossible to resist in Brussels. Some might suggest that we propose to cut the CAP and give the money back to the taxpayers but it just isn’t right that Africa is suffering so dreadfully in a world of plenty. If you think that we deserve the money more than an AIDS orphan then don’t sign the petition – if you believe that this would be a real gesture of moral force and international solidarity then sign up now. I’ll be sending petition forms to the twenty or so Churches in Ealing North and to the Mosque, Mandir and Synagogue. It makes sense for the faith communities to take the lead on this and anyone who doesn’t receive a copy of the form should ring Sophie at the office on 020 7219 4312 for copies. There will be a media launch in the House of Commons just before Christmas and this is being followed by similar events in other EU countries. Sometimes we forget just how wealthy we are in this country and sometimes we choose to ignore the lives of utter misery that so many of our fellow human beings suffer in Africa. If their lives are heartbreakingly sad then their inevitable deaths are even more tragic. This country is already incredibly generous in supporting groups like CAFOD and Christian Aid but the petition gives us the opportunity to direct five billion Euros where it will do most good. By becoming one of the million signatories you can really make a difference and save lives. Most importantly of all we can show that we are not the selfish rich of the wealthy north. We can prove that this country is capable of feeling Africa’s pain and that we can do more than walk by on the other side of the road with a few pious platitudes. The Christmas season is about gratitude and about giving. Let’s be grateful for our good fortune and let’s give hope and life to the AIDS orphans of Africa. Trimming the CAP can only be seen as a bonus! May I thank you in advance for considering signing the petition and take this opportunity of wishing all my constituents in Northolt, Greenford, Perivale and the better parts of Hanwell, Alperton and Ealing the happiest of holiday seasons and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. You can download the petition or simply complete the form online |
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| Disclaimer | Copyright | Designed by Bassam Mahfouz. Promoted by Julian Bell, The Labour Party, Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP on behalf of Steve Pound MP |
