Its migration not an invasion

National news

The big story in the news is about migration to the UK hitting record highs from the start of the year up to march according to the office of national statistics, now I won’t go in to the figures but I do think that it is important to say that no matter your own opinion, migrants do make a massive contribution to the economy and we do need them, also I do see some peoples point that we are a small island nation and we do need to keep an eye on it. There is little chance of this affecting people in a negative way as it’s more likely to boost the economy and there for it will help people more.

Local news

In local news the Sellafield sticks go on and they not budging, there in protest over pay and on Tuesday a 48 hour strike is under way. I’m going to take a step back because I don’t want to get in to the hole how, what and why because I think that there is a big picture here that these people are exercising there right to strike which is their right to do, mean will these people are not getting paid jurying the strike, so it all comes down to them doing want they think is right and I applaud that.

In other news

It’s me Jon it’s my last day today at Copeland borough council and I’ve got to say I’m sad to be going, I’ll miss the gang and all the great work we’ve been doing jurying my time here. It’s been a true pleasure being here and seeing all the hard work they put in for all you youngsters I wish you all the best of look in the future and a happy yet sad good bye.        

 

Should young people be seen and not heard?

Should young people suffer in silence? It sometimes feels like it.

So, a recent study has found that children living in England are among the most unhappy -- more unhappy than kids in countries such as Ethiopia, Algeria, Colombia and Turkey. And one of the main reasons for the level of unhappiness is bullying.

Bullying has happened in schools for as long as I can remember, and a lot of people would say that it's always going to happen. It's inevitable.

Well, I say no. Why should bullying be allowed? If adults behaved the way a lot of children do they'd be arrested for victimisation, or harassment or assault: these are crimes. But because it's children doing it to other children we seem to think it's acceptable.

It's not acceptable, it's not inevitable, and we can do something about it. Anyone who wants to do something about changing the attitude in schools can contact me by Twitter or Facebook, and we can work towards greater happiness for children.

You can find the full report here

Power to the (young) people

Should young people be seen and not heard? Not according to Jeremy Corbyn.

He's the guy in front of the Labour leadership election, and could well become the new Labour party leader. But he's not very popular with his own MPs.

For one thing, he tends to think like a young person (despite looking like a retired janitor): he's against the belt-tightening policies of the Conservatives, he campaigns for human rights internationally and he voted against the war in Iraq, and university tuition fees.

He's also talking about making politics more accountable.  He wants MPs to listen to the people who vote them in instead of making decisions without consulting them.

Jeremy Corbyn is likely to be the kind of politicians that young people like: he's anti-establishment, and he thinks everyone should be equal, instead of having very rich people living alongside people surviving on food banks.

If he is elected as the new Labour leader, politics could get a whole lot more interesting.

GCSE results

For many young people, this week is huge: GCSE results could mean getting money from parents who made foolish promises: 

"Well Susan, we said £20 for every A* didn't we, so did you get any? How many? Twelve?!) 

But for some it has meant a sleepless night of worry; tears at not getting what they hoped for; feelings of fear and confusion.

To those young people who got what they wanted/needed/expected: well done.

To those who didn't, here's something for you to consider.

Jon said:  it’s not the end of the world trust me I got next to nowt when I did mine. Plus there are many different things you can do to improve on them. You can even resit them. I’m redoing mine at gen2 so don’t despair try to keep an open mind because you just don’t know what opportunity is around the corner. 

“So do not cry or life will pass you by, 

just retake that test and do your best 

because I won’t judge because I’m eating fudge”.

Bike relay

Next Wednesday (26th August) there will be a bike relay from Millom to Lowca, calling at eleven coastal points to launch our new interpretation boards.

If anyone would like to take part, either by cycling, or just sending the cyclists on their way, the departure times at each board are

Start Time Start 

10.00 Millom

10.15 Haverigg

10.50 Silecroft 

11.50 Bootle

12.50 Ravenglass

13.30 Drigg

13.55 Seascale

15.10 St Bees

15.55 Whitehaven

16.15 Parton

Hugh Branney the chairman of Copeland coastal initiative project board said, “It will be a fantastic day along the coast celebrating the achievement of the local communities and cheering on our local cyclists whilst learning about Copeland’s diverse coastal heritage.”   

So come along if you're free. Of course you're free: it's the summer holidays.

Parents in court up 25%

Number of parent in court up 25%

National news

As the number of parents taken to court in the UK because of kids skipping school rose sharply last year official figures show  that in 2014, 16,430 people were prosecuted for failing to ensure their children went to school that’s an increase of more than 3,000 or 25% on 2013. Ministry of Justice figures revealed more than three-quarters were found guilty. Parents can be issued with an on the spot penalty notices of £60 per child by schools that can rising to £120 if unpaid if their child has an unauthorised absence. Failure to pay, can lead to parents being referred to the local authority's education welfare service that has the power to take parents to court and the courts can issue fines of £2,500 or a jail sentences of up to three months. So kids stay in school and don’t skip class now.

Local news

Have you seen the ocean going drill barge off St bee it an exploratory drilling operation that was towed out its location on Saturday and it’s expected to remain in position for the next four weeks while borehole testing in connection with a planned new coal mine south of Whitehaven is carried out. The company behind the plan has yet to announce a location for the mine. The mine is intended to be up and running by the end of 2018 that will extract millions of tonnes of high quality coking coal used in the iron industry, so there’s some big plans for the future and it’s looking good for everyone wheel keep you updated.

Underground update

An update on the underground strike

Fresh talks will be held on Monday to break the deadlock over the new all-night underground services in London that have started two strikes in recently causing disruption in the capital. The conciliation service Acas will hold talks with the unions that are likely to walk out again possibly for 48 hours unless there is a deal. Workers are unhappy with shifts for the all-night tubes due to start on the 12 September. Boris Johnson the London mayor has admitted the all-night services faces delay because of the dispute but has ruled out direct talks with unions. Boris indicated the night tube start date could be postponed that may allow time for negotiations to avert further strikes.

On the buses

Rail strikes in London are likely to cause major disruption over the next couple of days 

250 extra buses could be laid on during the strikes just to help with the demand, but it could course gridlock if commuters switch to cars. 

The strikes by four unions will last 24 hours from tonight until Friday. The strikes are happening because the unions are unhappy at conditions offered to drivers on a new night tube service due to start next month. People are being encouraged to use other modes of transport such as river buses, cycling, taxis, and buses: well good luck with that.

Local news

The sound of bells brought Copeland to life during a three-day bell ringing event run by Durham and Newcastle. Mini ring, gave people at Egremont, Whitehaven and Distington the chance to have a go on the ropes. 

School children and teachers were the first to show their skills in Egremont at Whitehaven passers-by got involved some as young as three. The group of ringers were on hand each day teaching and demonstrating ringing the bells, sound like a lot of fun.

Seeing things differently

Think that's weird? Well yes, it is, but only because people tell us that it's weird.

And finally...

Who doesn't love Mythbusters?

This episode involves clowns in a car crash... Awesome.