Extinction Rebellion in Exeter tomorrow: 11am Saturday 30th March

There is growing passion over climate change and a need to demonstrate how important this issue is above all others:
Futures Forum: Climate change > Extinction Rebellion "striking at the end of the world"

Tomorrow is Earth Hour:
Futures Forum: Earth Hour: 8.30pm: Saturday 30th March

It will also be Extinction Rebellions' latest foray into the streets of Exeter: 

'Day of rebellion' planned for city centre on Saturday

But Extinction Rebellion say it will be less disruptive than previous protests

Howard Lloyd
29 MAR 2019

Environmental activists will descend on Exeter this weekend in an attempt to raise awareness over climate change.

Saturday's four-hour 'day of rebellion' event starts on Howell Road at 11am before heading into the High Street.

The event has been organised by Extinction Rebellion, a 'non-violent civil disobedience group' who hit the headlines earlier this month after holding up traffic near Devon County Hall .

Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Amber Wren stressed Saturday's event would not be as disruptive, and said it was an opportunity to learn more about the group's message.

"I know that roadblock caused people to be frustrated and that is understandable – that type of action is disruptive and that is the intention," she said.

"This one will not be so disruptive – it is a way of us being out on the street, inviting questions and talking about anything that people aren’t sure about. We are meeting people face to face and are open to discussions and concerns that people have. We want to have those discussions and conversations with people.

"We trust the scientist and the planet is unhealthy and it is only going to get worse unless the powers that be put something in place. This is not about targeting individuals, it is about government inaction."

The group's aim is to prompt major change from the UK Government when it comes to tackling climate change.

A post on the group's Facebook page says: "We must act now to raise awareness and call on the government to take urgent action. The health of our planet is in fast decline, we are facing a climate emergency. We need top down action from our government, to help us make the necessary changes. And we need it now!"

Amber continued: "This is a family-friendly protest march to get the message out.

Extinction Rebellion Campaigners outside County Hall (Image: Daniel Clark)

"The more people we can get to understand the message that the government is failing us and not doing what they should be doing for the health of the planet, the better.

"It is a horrible thing for people to accept and think about and we are all trying to live our daily lives. I completely understand it is not something we want to stop and think about but it really is bad. We need to all join together to shake the grip of toxic handshake that the government has got us into."

The group has not been without controversy. Four people were arrested for aggravated trespass and two for criminal damage at the end of the Yeovil Rebellion Day in January. When holding up traffic earlier this month, someone claiming to be a hospital worker said their actions were putting patients' lives in danger.

'Day of rebellion' planned for city centre on Saturday - Devon Live
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The story of the 'Back the South West' campaign

Back in October 2016, the Western Morning News launched its 'Back the South West' campaign, just a few months after the Brexit process lumbered into inaction:
Futures Forum: Brexit: and Back The South West

It has regularly relaunched the campaign:
Futures Forum: Tech Nation >>> "'there's more to the South West than cream teas and cowpats'"

Today there was another relaunch - of something which talks about 'growth' and whose main photo is of a motorway heading into the sunny uplands: 

Forget Brexit - it's the day to #BackTheSouthWest

As Brexit turmoil continues to reign in the UK, we have seized to day to relaunch #BackTheSouthWest

By Hannah Finch
29 MAR 2019

The South West must #BackTheSouthWest

With indecision thwarting today’s Brexit deadline, we say there’s never been a better time for the South West to be crystal clear about its future. What should have been a momentous day for the UK has been scuppered by delay and division. Politics as we know it has been turned upside down and the country’s growth agenda is at a standstill.

While the Brexit debacle slides on, the Western Morning News - in partnership with Pennon Group and support from LiveWest and Womble Bond Dickinson - is set to seize the day to launch the second phase of the #BackTheSouthWest campaign.

Bill Martin, editor Western Morning News, said: “We could stand around waiting for someone, anyone, to tell us what’s going on with Brexit but the future prosperity of our region is too important for that. That’s why it’s so vital to press ahead with our ambitions for #BackTheSouthWest. Our priorities remain the same, we need a transport system, including a railway that is fit for the future. We need digital connectivity, quality housing, skilled jobs and the talented staff to fill them. Our aim is to ensure that the South West backs itself to show Westminster that we are more than ready for investment.”

The #BackTheSouthWest campaign was first launched in August 2016 in response to the Brexit referendum vote. At the inaugural Growth Summit launch event, Sajid Javid, the then secretary of state for communities and local government said there has to be a credible figurehead for economic growth for the Government to be prepared to hand over powers for investment, transport and infrastructure to the region. And he called for the region to have one voice on its plans for economic prosperity.

The campaign quickly gathered momentum, garnering support from some of the region’s biggest businesses, academics and political leaders.

We presented the South West Growth Charter to Downing Street, secured a debate at Westminster and formed a South West Leaders Forum with representatives from across all sectors of the business community.

A second Growth Summit held in 2017 harnessed widespread support for unity in a region that leads the way in the aerospace and creative industries.

Now it is a question of pulling together that enthusiasm and taking that message to the rest of the country and the world.

But despite our efforts, our economy has been held back by infrastructure underspend. Five years on from the Dawlish rail disaster, trains are still being cancelled during bad weather. The M5 remains our only major route into the region and the A303 upgrades have yet to begin. But we have seen progress in the shape of an £80million pledge for rail resilience works at Dawlish and £83million for improvements to the North Devon Link Road.

And crucially, we have seen regeneration throughout the region. From the enlarged Tate St Ives, new hotel plans in Torquay or further investment in Exeter’s city centre, we are seeing great changes that are designed to boost visitor numbers and the viability of our must populated areas.

The new Messenger statue in Plymouth is a bold statement of intent for the city about its creative heritage and vision for the future.

Change happens in stages and as a region, we need the backing to make those changes a future reality.

In February, Sarah Heald, Pennon’s Director of Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations joined South West MPs and Heart of the South West LEP chief Executive David Ralph to take our case to Government.

Under Sir Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon, MPs from across the region, from Cheltenham to the Isles of Scilly, came together to call on the Government to invest in the Great South West. MPs called on the Government to fund transport improvements, including dualling of the A303 from Ilminster to Honiton, and works to improve capacity on the M5 from Taunton to Bristol.

In closing, Members highlighted the importance of South West MPs joining together to ensure the region receives its fair share of funding, and if we can just get the infrastructure right, the South West’s best is yet to come.

Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry MP, said: “This is the year of regional growth, and the South West must be at the heart of it.”

As we get set to launch this latest phase of the #BackTheSouthWest campaign, the Western Morning News says: “We could not agree more.”

Forget Brexit - it's the day to #BackTheSouthWest - Devon Live
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The Small Business Commissioner names and shames over late payments

It is a well-known practice for larger businesses to pay their suppliers late - in order to help their cash-flow a little:
Managing Cash Outflows to Maximize Your Financial Position - bizfilings

But this situation certainly doesn't help the smaller business:
Big Companies Pay Later, Squeezing Their Suppliers - The New York Times

The UK set up a small business commissioner in January:

The Small Business Commissioner, Paul Uppal, supports small businesses to resolve their payment disputes with larger businesses, providing advice, and helping bring about a culture change in payment practices and how businesses deal with each other.

Appointments to the Small Business Commissioner’s Office Advisory Board - GOV.UK
Small Business Commissioner - GOV.UK

And the commissioner has just found against Jordans/Ryvita:
Late payment interest released for small design business following payment practices complaint against Jordans & Ryvita - GOV.UK

The Mail reports:

Maker of Ryvita crackers rebuked by small business tsar for being slow to pay small supplier

By WILLIAM TURVILL FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
23 March 2019

The maker of Ryvita crackers has become the first company to be named and shamed by the Government’s small business tsar over late payments. Paul Uppal, the Small Business Commissioner, has rebuked Jordans & Ryvita for being slow to pay Magellan Design. The small firm had been taken on to work on a health and safety campaign, which included designing and printing posters.

Magellan Design boss Andrew Osman was forced to use money from his personal savings account to pay the printers. ‘It was a nightmare,’ he told The Mail on Sunday. ‘It was so disruptive for my business. I would have been better off if I’d never [done the work].’

RELATED ARTICLES
Crackdown on late payments that close 50,000 firms a year:...

As a result of Uppal’s intervention, Osman was paid the £5,000 owed, plus an interest payment of £1,400.

Jordans & Ryvita has now changed its payment policies. The company’s finance boss, Jamie Phillips, said: ‘As a business, we manage over 22,000 payments annually. In this instance, an invoice was not processed correctly as a result of human error. We deeply regret that this occurred and have apologised to Magellan Design.’

Small business tsar intervenes over late-paying Ryvita  | This is Money
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Forestry Commission: centenary event "Evolving the Forest": Wednesday 19th - Friday 21st June at Dartington Hall

The Forestry Commission is celebrating 100 years: 

In September 1919 the Forestry Commission was founded to restore the nation’s woods and forests following the First World War, and the passing of the Forestry Act.

We are now England’s largest landowner and look after over 1,500 forests. We deliver internationally renowned research in sustainable forestry and help other landowners make their woodlands more productive, better for wildlife, and prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.

Celebrating 100 years of forestry | Forestry Commission England

And there's a very interesting-looking seminar at Dartington Hall later on: 

Evolving The Forest

Wednesday 19 June - Friday 21 June 2019
Dartington Hall, Devon

Book now

This symposium will draw together a wide variety of voices to explore a heritage of woodland and forest and look to their future. In celebration of the Forestry Commission’s centenary it looks back at the last 100 years and looks forward to the next.

The event will draw on the wisdom of foresters, environmental managers, policy-makers, scientists and other experts; it will hear the voices of artists, designers, writers and philosophers; and learn from others around the world about their own cultural connections to trees, and the wood that produces some of the world’s most beautiful objects.

Forest Research's contrbutions include a presentation by Chris Reynolds on 'Alternative species for resilient forests' in which he will explain how Forest Research are reviewing and testing new tree species for forestry in the UK. This will include some early results from recent field trials.

Also, with Karen Price from from Westonbirt Arboretum, Liz O'Brien will be holding an interactive workshop on 'How to Hygge a Tree' in which they will be exploring techniques for using trees and woodland for positive wellbeing.

Evolving The Forest - Forest Research
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Earth Hour: 8.30pm: Saturday 30th March

Tomorrow at 8.30pm UK time is Earth Hour - when we are encouraged to switch off a few lights and appliances: 



This Earth Hour, join millions around the world to turn off the lights and speak up about why nature matters. #Connect2Earth

Nature is not just... - YouTube
Earth Hour |

It shows how mainstream these things have become when the World Economic Forum is keen to embrace the movement: 

Earth Hour 2019: switch off your lights, and become an innovator

29 Mar 2019
Sid Das

Director of Digital Engagement, Earth Hour Global

Let’s take 30 seconds to think about innovators. What do they look like? Where do they work? What do they do? You might imagine labs, research centres, NASA, spacesuits and white coats.

Some years ago, I would probably have agreed with you. Then - ironically enough, in a moment of “lights out” - I saw the light. The truth is each of us is an innovator. It has nothing to do with what you wear or where you work. Technology isn't innovation - the ability to transform lives is.

On March 30, the world will witness 24 of the most inspiring hours for the environment, as people around the world come together for WWF’s Earth Hour. From Singapore to Santiago and Nairobi to New York, millions will unite, switch off their lights and speak up on why nature matters. For me, each of them is an innovator.

Not because switching off a light takes much innovation, but because they share the vision that together, we can show the world we care about climate change and nature loss. These two threats are our planet’s biggest environmental challenge yet. It is easy to put your hands up and say the stakes are stacked against us, or they are too high to try. But each of the individuals who participate in Earth Hour has decided their ambition is higher, and I believe this changes the game entirely. Together, they are participating in creating a new future that will change the world we live in, not just for our generation but for our children, their children and so on.

In the past decade, Earth Hour has inspired millions to support and participate in critical climate and environmental initiatives, helping drive climate policy, awareness and action worldwide. Among its highlights, the movement has helped create a 3.5 million-hectare marine-protected area in Argentina and a 2,700-hectare Earth Hour forest in Uganda; ban all plastics in the Galapagos; plant 17 million trees in Kazakhstan; light up homes with solar power in India and the Philippines; and push new legislation for the protection of seas and forests in Russia. In 2018, French Polynesia moved to protect five million square kilometres of its seas to preserve ocean ecosystems. This was made possible because ordinary individuals like you and me decided that it was time for change.

The truth is that when it comes to climate change and the loss of nature, sometimes the numbers and facts just seem too big. Every year seems to be the hottest year on record. Each new disaster leaves a new reality for hundreds, if not hundreds of thousands, in its wake. WWF’s 2018 Living Planet Report shows an average decline of 60% in the population size of some species in less than 50 years.

We feel daunted and dwarfed. But it's exactly at times like these that we need to remember each one of us can innovate. Using the power of digital and social media to spur your friends, family and colleagues to take action will transform lives, across generations. If that isn’t innovation, I don't know what is.

When we started Earth Hour in Sydney 2007, we wanted a voice that could speak to those who were completely ambivalent about climate change. Five percent of people cared and 5% thought it was a hoax, leaving 90% who were a potential tipping point. We never imagined that today, Earth Hour would be the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, spanning more than 7,000 cities in more than 180 countries and territories. To think it all started with one symbolic gesture, one light switch.

The power of symbols to generate real change is amazing. In today’s social media-driven world, where 140 characters are too much to take in, the reach that symbolic gestures have is incredible. Indeed, if society really is at a tipping point, these gestures are what build intrigue and tip people over into taking concrete action.

Earth Hour 2019: switch off your lights, and become an innovator | World Economic Forum
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In Denmark and China, businesses are forced to accept cash

We can't just rely on the replacement of cash:
Futures Forum: A cashless society with fewer ATMs and bank branches will "risk leaving millions behind"
Futures Forum: A cashless Britain where over-55s and low earners are at risk of being left behind "further supports the case for the SW Mutual bank to open branches in the South West"

Here are a couple of pieces on the subject from the Rural Services Network:

25.03.2019

SHOPS SHOULD BE FORCED TO ACCEPT CASH

In response to the recent Access to Cash review, the website lovemoney.com polled readers on their attitudes towards cash.

The review warned that the ‘death knell for cash’ in other countries had been due to shops and businesses refusing to accept cash, rather than a lack of ATM machines or bank branches.

Subsequently, 82 per cent of readers said that businesses should be forced to accept cash. This is the case in China and Denmark, where accepting cash is mandatory.

Full article:

→ lovemoney.com - Shops should be forced to accept cash, say loveMONEY readers

Separately, North Yorkshire County Council has intervened to support proposals to introduce new cash machines in areas hit by bank closures.

The Council has asked all 72 of its councillors to propose sites that they think would benefit from a cash machine.  

It comes after councillors found that assumptions were being made about the ability of post offices to fill in the gaps left by bank closures.

Full article:

→ strayfm - North Yorkshire Council intervenes over access to cash machines in rural areas

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Shops should be forced to accept cash - Rural Services Network
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Keeping bank branches open alleviates financial exclusion

The Nationwide has pledged to keep its branches open:
Futures Forum: There is a correlation between a healthy high street and the footfall which a bank helps to promote

Baroness Tyler, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Social Mobility and the Lords Committee on Financial Exclusion, has written for PoliticsHome.com welcoming their commitment: 

Baroness Tyler: Financial services play a vital role in our communities, more must be done to keep branches open

Baroness Tyler
House of Lords

Posted On: 19th March 2019

Baroness Tyler says more must be done to keep branches open and welcomes Nationwide’s announcement that every town or city in which it currently has a branch will still have one in 2021.

The sight of empty bank buildings on the high street has become all too common. In fact, between 1989 and 2016, 53% of UK bank branches closed. This sharp decline is far greater than any other European country during that time. And this trend shows no sign of slowing down: another 2900 banks closed between 2015 and 2018. These numbers are shocking – but the numbers alone do not properly reveal the impact that a bank branch closure has on the local community. Sadly, those most affected are some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, particularly disabled people, the elderly and those with mental health problems.

Some banks have argued that these closures reflect a shift towards online banking and through closing branches, they are simply responding to the changing demands of consumers. However, while online banking is something many of us may take for granted, it is not accessible to - or wanted by - significant numbers of people. I chaired the Lords Select committee on Financial Exclusion, which explored the barriers that vulnerable people face to access basic financial services and published a report in March 2017 on what needs to happen to remove them. The evidence we received was clear: closing bank branches will worsen financial exclusion for those with difficulties accessing the internet. This includes 42% of disabled people and 93% of those over the age of 80 who are not online.

When combined with physical mobility issues or living in a rural area, closing the local bank branch can mean that banking is next to impossible. This was highlighted in a news BBC article last year, which told the story of one 83-year-old woman with osteoporosis. After the closure of her local bank branch, she was left facing a 30 mile round trip on multiple buses just to access basic banking services. I found these stories of the profound impact of bank closures on the lives of people across the country incredibly moving. After the publication of our report, I received letters from older people and people in rural communities who felt completely abandoned by their banks. Their stories demonstrate the damaging effect that bank closures can have on individuals and their communities.

I find it deeply ironic that the UK is considered a world leader in financial services when its banks fail to provide basic services to so many vulnerable consumers. The necessity of banking services just to be able to function in our society means that easy access to banking needs to be considered a basic right in the same way access to basic utilities is. A fair deal for consumers means the right to access physical banking services for those who wish to do so.

There have been some attempts to stem the tide of bank closures. For example, in 2015 the British Bankers’ Association launched the Access to Banking Protocol. This committed banks to carry out an analysis of the impact of closures on branch users. While well-intentioned, in practice it has failed to stop banks from closing their branches. When our Select Committee interviewed witnesses about bank closures, not a single one could point to an occasion when a bank had reversed a branch closure decision following the protocol process. More must be done to keep branches open. This is why I very much welcome Nationwide’s announcement that every town or city in which it currently has a branch will still have one in 2021 and recognising the importance of human contact for many of its customers.

Even in situations where it is impossible to keep the last bank branch open in a locality, surely it is not beyond the wit of these institutions to come to some collaborative arrangement? In towns and villages where every single branch has closed down, why can’t the banks collaborate to keep some sort of banking presence available? Even if it is just for a few afternoons a week in the local community centre, it would have a profound impact on disabled and elderly people in the community who cannot bank otherwise. It would also show that the banks are stepping up to take their responsibilities towards all their customers seriously.


Baroness Tyler of Enfield is a Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords.

Baroness Tyler: Financial services play a vital role in our communities, more must be done to keep branches open | PoliticsHome.com
Baroness Tyler comments on bank closures - Rural Services Network
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