Seeking views of General Election Candidates

Two Catholic charities, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP), have submitted a set of questions on a range of fairness, justice and development issues to the 2024 general election candidates across England and Wales, including locally in the two London Borough of Sutton parliamentary constituencies. The questions they have sent are set out below.

The candidates have until 12th June to respond. The questions and responses will be published on a Catholic church deanery website and sent to the local media.  We will also publish the responses on the S4P&J website. Non responses from candidates will be noted.

S4P&J would be interested in hearing from others who are carrying out similar exercises to gather views from the election candidates.

Election candidates questions

1 COST-OF-LIVING

The issue: The cost-of-living crisis is pushing increasing numbers of people into poverty. Almost two million people used a food bank last year. Meanwhile, six in ten low-income households are not able to afford an unexpected expense and over seven in ten families are going without essentials.

Questions: 

1 With almost two million people using foodbanks in the UK, the highest number on record, what are your plans to tackle the cost-of-living crisis in our area and nationally.

2 If elected would you commit to improve our social security system by raising the basic rate of Universal Credit so that people can meet their essential needs?

2 MIGRATION AND ASYLUM

The issue: Every year thousands of people tragically die crossing borders as they try to find safety for themselves and their families. In recent years it has become even harder for people who need safety to reach the UK. For many that are able to reach the UK, recent changes in the law make it almost impossible for them to apply for asylum and find sanctuary here. Instead, they face the possibility of being indefinitely detained and deported to a third country, such as Rwanda. 

Questions 

1 Every year, people tragically die as they attempt to cross borders to reach safety. If elected, will you champion the right to safe and legal routes for people needing to flee their homes, rather than leave vulnerable people prey to people smugglers?

2 If elected, will you ensure the country is a welcoming one to refugees and migrants, including ending the unjust deportation of people who haven’t even had their asylum applications heard?

3 THE FOOD SYSTEM

The issue: Global hunger levels have been on the rise in recent years with over 2.4 billion people without regular access to sufficient food. The global food system urgently needs transforming. For too long it has been dominated by a few multinational companies who have pushed for only an industrialised approach to agriculture. This has negatively impacted the diversity of crops available, sidelined small-scale farmers in low-income countries and here, accelerated the climate crisis and polluted natural resources. 

Questions 

1 10% of the world’s population regularly go to bed hungry. We urgently need to transform the way we grow, distribute and consume food to ensure everyone has enough to eat, regardless of where in the world they live. If elected, will you work towards ensuring an end to hunger both in the UK and globally?

2 Given that we are currently facing both a global hunger crisis and a climate crisis, would you work to ensure that small-scale farmers across the world who are practising sustainable techniques, such as agroecology, receive support from the UK?

4 CLIMATE

The issue: The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity. It is already causing mass displacement of people across the world and destroying the natural world, upon which life on earth depends. The UK is one of the largest historic emitters of greenhouse gases driving the climate crisis, so it has a particular responsibility to take action to keep temperatures rises below 1.5C. 

Questions

1 We know that we need to transition away from fossil fuels if we are to have any chance of halting the climate crisis. Would you work to ensure that the UK finally ends all new oil, coal and gas projects and phases out existing ones? 

2 Some of the world’s poorest communities are facing the greatest burden of the climate crisis. With millions of people already displaced as a result of extreme weather events, how would you support working with other countries to raise new taxes from the most polluting industries such as shipping, aviation and fossil fuels to support countries suffering the impacts of climate catastrophes?

5 DEBT CANCELLATION

The issue: Many of the world’s poorest countries have been plunged into a new debt crisis. Due to the economic crisis, high interest rates and the fall-out from the pandemic, many countries have been left with unsustainable debt burdens. This means money that could be spent on health, education or tackling climate change is instead going to big banks, who are making millions in profit while populations suffer. The vast majority of lower-income country debt contracts are governed by English or New York law. This means that the UK could pass legislation to ensure that creditors cannot sue countries who are struggling to pay. There is growing support for this legislation, and the UK Parliament’s International Development Select Committee has recommended this option is explored.

 Questions: 

1 Given that over 50 of the world’s poorest nations are currently struggling with a debt crisis, are you supportive of the idea that the UK should champion debt cancellation for those low-income countries who need it so that they can properly fund their essential public services? 

2 Many of the world’s poorest countries are in debt crisis meaning money they could spend on health, education or tackling the climate crisis is instead going to big banks and wealthy nations. If you were elected would you support new legislation that could prevent private creditors such as Blackrock or HSBC from suing low-income countries in UK courts. 

6 BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The issue: British businesses are some of the biggest and most powerful in the world, often with supply chains that span many countries. It is vital that they produce their goods and/or services in ways that protect human rights and the natural environment, which is why the UK needs to legislate for greater oversight of business practices throughout their supply chains. 

Questions 

1 Many of the things we consume in the UK are produced via supply chains that span the world. Throughout these global supply chains, it is too often the case that workers are exploited and/or the environment is damaged. Would you support the introduction of legislation for greater oversight of business practices along these supply chains? 

2 If elected, what steps would you take to ensure businesses are held responsible for their operations, both at home and abroad to ensure workers’ rights are upheld, affected communities are safeguarded and the natural environment is protected? 

7 AID AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The issue: Despite the commitment to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) on overseas aid being enshrined into law, the UK has slashed its aid budget, and now only spends 0.5% of GNI on overseas aid. In addition, increasing amounts of that aid is being spent in the UK rather than overseas, meaning that compared to 2020 there has been a whopping 40% reduction in aid spending overseas. 

 Questions:

1 The UK has slashed its aid budget, turning its back on the fight against global poverty. Will you, if elected, agree to restore the aid budget to 0.7% of national income, as agreed in the International Development Act, and show that we are a country committed to making the world a better place for all?

2 Our overseas aid budget has not only been cut, but the Department for International Development has been shut down, and much of the remaining aid money has been redirected to domestic spending. Can you let me know what you will do to ensure Britain restores its aid budget and supports people across the world who are living in poverty?

8 BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES AND TACKLING REGIONAL INEQUALITIES

The issue: The UK has some of the highest regional inequalities in Europe, and this is leaving many people behind. Research shows that the UK is the most regionally unbalanced large, advanced economy, with growing rates of poverty in particular regions. This leaves millions of people below the poverty line and without the support they need to thrive. Tackling this issue requires ongoing investment in community assets and leadership as well as the creation of good quality employment. 

Questions:

1 If elected, what will your party do to address regional inequalities and help communities thrive? 

2 Will you commit to working more closely with local groups and communities, including faith groups such as the St Vincent de Paul Society, to identify the best policies to support left behind areas?

The future of S4P&J

We believe that S4P&J has an important role to play in promoting peace and justice and engaging local people, but that we need to adapt to current circumstances.

The Covid pandemic caused the suspension of S4P&J’s regular meetings and public events, and since that many of our members have focused their energies on other activities. We have also seen greater opportunities for alternative ways to engage, such as through online meetings.

And the need for a focus on peace and justice across the world is as great as it has ever been.

S4P&J is reviewing its purpose and role, and how it should move forward and adapt to the changes around us.

Please follow us and look out for further updates.

If you have any suggestions of what we should do or how you would like to get involved, please add a comment below.

Hiroshima Day 2022

On 6 August 2022 S4P&J members and supporters and local residents met at Carshalton Ponds to remember the terrible devastation and loss of life caused by the dropping of nuclear weapons on the two Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and to commit to the removal of all nuclear weapons from the world. 

The commemoration, led by Mike McLoughlin (seen above), included readings of the words of those who had been involved, a reflective silence and the scattering of petals on the pond.

Today, the UK and 8 other countries possess around 15,000 nuclear weapons – enough to destroy the planet hundreds of times over. The UK has four submarines each carrying 16 trident missiles. One is equivalent to 8 “Little Boys” – 512 Hiroshima’s in all.  

The British Government has signed but not verified the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, under which the UK is legally bound “to pursue nuclear disarmament aimed at the ultimate elimination of all nuclear arsenals”. Only South Africa has voluntarily dismantled a nuclear weapon programme. 

No More Hiroshima

Give back the Human

Give back my father, give back my mother;

Give grandpa back, grandma back;

Give me back myself.

Give back the human race.

As long as this life lasts, this life, 

Give back peace

That will never end

We re-affirm that we must do all we can 

to ensure nuclear weapons are not used again.

by Seikichi Toge, on the Hiroshima Monument

Hiroshima Day 2022

REMEMBER HIROSHIMA

6 AUGUST 1945

On 6th August 1945 the United States dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and, three days later, on Nagasaki.

We assert that nuclear weapons should never be used again. 

And we call on the British Government to honour its signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, under which it has no right to possess nuclear weapons, but is legally bound to disarm.

Join us to remember those who died and pledge ‘never again’. 

Carshalton Ponds

Saturday 6 August 2022

from 7.30 pm

Hiroshima Day

Report by Mike Mcloughlin

On Friday 6 August, the 76th anniversary of the dropping of the first ever atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, Sutton for Peace and Justice organised a memorial ceremony at Carshalton Ponds.

We have held this ceremony for many years.

This year only a small group of 10 were present but they came from as far as Wimbledon.

We remembered the event itself and the effects on the lives of the people involved from the victims to the “father of the atomic bomb”, Robert Oppenheimer, who later tried to prevent the US acquiring the even more devastating hydrogen bomb. 

The ceremony included the reading of a poem “Hiroshima Child” by the Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet part of which you can read below as it sums up the reason for holding the ceremony:

I need no fruit I need no rice
I need no sweets nor even bread
I ask for nothing for myself
For I am dead for I am dead

All that I need is that for peace
You fight today you fight today
So that the children of this world
Can live and grow and laugh and play

Nazim Hikmet

UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

In July 2017 122 States voted in favour of a UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

In December 2017, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), for its work on the Ban Treaty.

The Holy See was one of the first States to sign the Treaty. On a visit to Nagasaki and Hiroshima in November 2019, Pope Francis reaffirmed that “The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the possessing of nuclear weapons is immoral.”

The UK government has so far refused to engage with the Treaty and continues with its hugely expensive programme to replace Trident.

However, while the UK and other nuclear powers have not ratified the treaty, over 50 countries have ratified it, so it will enter into force on 22nd January 2021.

Although in international law nuclear weapons are illegal, the new Treaty will not be binding on the UK. Nevertheless, previous experience with landmines and biological weapons has shown that a UN ban or treaty process can delegitimise and then eliminate these weapons globally. We need to make sure this happens!

Sutton for Peace & Justice, which has commemorated the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for a number of years in a ceremony at Carshalton ponds, supports this treaty wholeheartedly. As do both Church of England Bishops and the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales who have issued statements supporting the Treaty.

On Friday 22 January 2021 the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons comes into force. This is an historic milestone on the path to nuclear disarmament and an opportunity to refocus on genuine peacebuilding rooted in dialogue, justice, respect for human dignity, and care for our planet.

Statement by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales:

In setting out the “moral and humanitarian imperative” for complete elimination of nuclear weapons, Pope Francis reminded us that “international peace and stability cannot be based on a false sense of security, on the threat of mutual destruction or total annihilation.”

We urge support for the Treaty and repeat our call for the UK to forsake its nuclear arsenal. The resources spent on manufacturing, maintaining and upgrading these weapons of mass destruction, should be reinvested to alleviate the suffering of the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society, for the Common Good of all peoples.

At the same time, we implore the government to strengthen its arms control regulations, tackling the manufacture and sale of other weaponry, which continues to destroy so many lives throughout the world.

As bishops of the Church of England, we warmly welcome and applaud the recent ratification, by the required number of member states, of the United Nations’ Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and we rejoice that the Treaty will therefore come into force on January 22, 2021. 

Letter from the Bishops of the Church of England:

For so many of the nations of the world to speak clearly of the need to ban these weapons of mass destruction is an encouraging and hopeful sign. We commit ourselves to pray and to work so that this ratification will indeed help to see an end to nuclear weapons in the future.

We very much regret that the UK, together with other nuclear states, has not yet signed the accord. We call on the UK Government to do so, and thereby to give hope to all people of goodwill who seek a peaceful future.

We echo the UN Secretary-General who “commends the States that have ratified the Treaty and salutes the work of civil society, which has been instrumental in facilitating the negotiation and ratification of the Treaty.”

Accordingly, we renew our support for the work of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, together with sister organisations and agencies in each nation, whose advocacy and commitment continues to make such a difference.

Merton – Borough of Sanctuary

On 5 February 2020 Merton Council became a Borough of Sanctuary.

In response to a motion from Labour councillors, Merton Council voted unanimously that it should declare itself a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’.

The motion stated:

‘Merton is a place that welcomes those from around the world. We value the enormous contributions that refugees and migrants have made, and continue to make to the borough. Declaring Merton to be a “Borough of Sanctuary” would reaffirm Merton’s commitment to the borough’s refugee and migrant communities.

Council calls on cabinet to declare Merton to be a “Borough of Sanctuary”; to continue to work with organisations in the borough who support refugees and asylum seekers in the borough, to work with community groups to harness public support to help and support refugee, migrant and asylum seekers in Merton, and to continue to celebrate the contribution of refugee and migrant communities to Merton and challenge anti-refugee and anti-migrant attitudes wherever they are found.’

The motion was moved by Councillor Macauley (Labour, Lavender Fields) and seconded by Councillor Lanning (Labour, Cricket Green). Councillor Ormrod (Conservative, Trinity) also spoke on this item.

The motion was put to a vote and was carried unanimously.

For more information about what it means to be a Borough of Sanctuary and the City of Sanctuary movement, go to the City of Sanctuary website or visit Sutton 4 Sanctuary.

Hiroshima Day 6 August

6th August is Hiroshima Day – an annual commemoration of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on 6^th August 1945 and, three days later, on Nagasaki.

On this day, across the world, people remember the victims of those the events and  reaffirm the call that nuclear weapons should never be used again.

Each year, Sutton for Peace & Justice mark Hiroshima Day with a small ceremony at Carshalton Ponds.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic we will not be inviting people to join us this year.

Please view a presentation based on our planned ceremony:

hiroshima 2020 ppt

Climate Breakdown Shakedown

Sutton for Peace and Justice and Extinction Rebellion Sutton invite you to take part in a Zoom webinar:

Tuesday 7 July 2020, 7.00–9.00pm

People have changed their behaviour and glimpsed a quieter cleaner world during the Covid-19 pandemic – we must seize the opportunity to take the further steps required to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

In July 2019, in response to an ePetition, Sutton Council became one of around 270 local authorities across the UK to declare a climate emergency and agreed to do what they could to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. But they have said achieving it is conditional on money from central government.

Having recognised this as a climate emergency, fine words are not enough
and action cannot be put off or left to someone else. Councils like Sutton must,
and can, take more urgent and practical action to match their rhetoric.

Hear from expert speakers and join the debate with:

Ted Burke
London Campaign Organiser at Friends of the Earth, building a network of climate action groups to campaign with their councils for ambitious Climate Action Plans.

Dr d’Reen Struthers
People’s Assembly facilitator and trainer for XR, a teacher educator and lecturer in education at UCL-Institute of Education and a Resilience and Mentor Trainer.

Anna-Tina Jashapara
Climate and Social Justice activist studying Geography at Oxford University.

David Murray
Campaigning letter writer and S4P&J founding member.

Why the need for real practical action is urgent – What councils across the UK
are already doing – What more Sutton Council should be doing – What can
we all do in our own lives and communities to help tackle the climate emergency.

Book your participation at eventbrite

For assistance setting up Zoom, please email xrsutton@protonmail.com

 

Climate Breakdown Shakedown

The meeting we had planned jointly with Extinction Rebellion Sutton on the climate emergency in March had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

In its place we are staging an online event:

on 7 July  at 7 pm

Via Zoom, bookable at eventbrite.

Details to follow.