PPP plan comes under microscope

WORKERS AT the Forensic Science Service may go on strike against government plans to privatise it. The Prospect union, representing 1,400 scientists at the service, will decide this week whether to organise a strike ballot. The PCS civil service union, which represents 380 clerical staff at the forensic service, is also considering strike action.

The government plans to sell the service, which conducts forensic tests for the police, and run it as a public-private partnership.

Pride-but not in Iraq occupation

TENS OF thousands of people took part in the annual Brighton lesbian and gay Pride festival at the weekend. One of the biggest Pride marches anyone can remember made a colourful and political impact.

In addition to trade union banners there was a huge ‘No Pride in Occupation’ banner carried by anti-war activists. Stalls from campaigns such as the Anti Nazi League and the Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers in the park where the festival was held reported large amounts of interest.

Follow Walker’s anti-BNP model

FORTY representatives from trade unions, political parties, community groups, religious organisations and faith organisations attended the launch meeting of Newcastle Unites Against the BNP last week. The meeting also called a campaign meeting in the Walker area of Newcastle-where the Nazi BNP is contesting a council by-election.

Some 35 residents from the ward attended this meeting to draw up a campaign diary to counter the Nazis. The local residents, with the support of the CWU and Unison unions, have produced several thousand leaflets, stickers and balloons. A number of street meetings and parties have also been arranged.

A wagon with a sound system has been hired to drive around the ward. A community group is also arranging a barbecue for local people to meet asylum seekers. The campaign in Walker is seen as the model that we want to replicate in every area the Nazis raise their heads.
DAVID WILSON