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Newslist messages for February 2001
UK POLICE WERE ISSUED WITH DEFECTIVE CS Canisters of the CS spray issued to Police Forces in the United Kingdom failed to meet standards laid down by the Police Scientific Development Branch of the Home Office the Celtic League has learned. In September last year one company ordered tests on all products from its suppliers after concerns over massive variations in quality and concentration. We understand that in total supplies from four companies failed to meet standards on the basis that their product delivered to much spray. The Celtic League have been researching the background to the use of CS spray by police forces in Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man. We wrote to Home Secretary Jack Straw, in early January, asking about the results of reports prepared by the Chemical and Biological Research Establishment at Porton Down. One of the reports suggested that the spray posed a serious hazard and could cause cancer. So far the Home Office remain tight-lipped on the matter. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 04/02/01 ==================== SELLAFIELD FIRE A 'MINOR INCIDENT' SAYS MEACHER Michael Meacher, the Minister for the Environment, has told the Celtic League that a fire at the Sellafield plant which occurred on Christmas Eve last year was a "minor incident which was not formally reportable". The League had written asking what steps are taken by the British government to ensure that neighbouring States such as Ireland and the Isle of Man are notified about such occurrences. From his reply however it seems that an actual "release (or potential release) of radioactivity which could be of radiological significance to another State" triggers any inter-governmental warning mechanism. The Celtic League do not share Mr. Meacher's complacency and we believe that any incidents involving fires at the plant no matter how innocuous the risk initially appears should be widely notified. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 04/02/01 ====================== ARMY DRUGS BUST HIGHLIGHTS HYPOCRISY The dismissal of a further eleven Scottish soldiers from the British army indicates once again the hypocrisy of the Ministry of Defence about acceptable standards for servicemen. The eleven men, from the Black Watch, were serving in Germany where, coincidentally, the two convicted murders Guardsmen Fisher and Wright are serving. A Black watch spokesman said "having drug users upon whom I cannot rely is unacceptable". Obviously however the British Army find those convicted of murder the type you can rely on. Disappointed former squaddies fired from the service in the past twelve months might like to investigate the human rights position. We can only hope that disgruntled soldiers will consider taking the MOD to Court. Obviously, discharge from the service for drug abuse whilst murderers are positively lauded smacks of discrimination. Meanwhile, more bad news for the MOD, a naval warship heading for the Caribbean and drug trafficing patrol work has been forced to confront a drugs problem amongst its personnel. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 10/02/01 ================== DEVOLUTION AN AGENDA PARIS CANNOT IGNORE An international conference being held in Brittany will highlight the experiences of a number of small countries in Europe given devolved powers by the "Nation States" to which they are tied. It is certain to highlight the lack of progress by the French government which has been slow to adopt the principles of devolution developed in, for example, the United Kingdom and Spain. The conference is being hosted by the Breton Democratic Union and is the latest in a series of cross-Europe events which are bringing greater coordination between small nations seeking greater autonomy or independence from the "Nation States " with which they are historically linked. The conference is likely to focus on the experiences of countries such as Wales, Galicia, Flanders and Andalusia Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 10/02/01 ======================= VIGOROUS CAMPAIGN FOR WELSH LANGUAGE ACT COMMENCES A series of demonstrations throughout Wales calling for A new Welsh language Act has commenced with protests in North Wales by members of Cymdeithas Yr Iaith Cymraeg the Welsh Language Society. The group are calling for an Act which will integrate the private sector and a feature of the campaign is to target banks, building societies and other high profile institutions. Cymdeithas will ask these institutions to adopt comprehensive bilingual policies which in the case of the banks will extend to everything from on-line services to cheque books. More demonstrations to follow will target all main town and cities in Wales including Aberystwyth, Swansea and Cardiff. League branches should send messages of support for the campaign to the media in Wales. They should also encourage National language organisations in their home country to do likewise. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 10/02/01 ================== SUB TRAGEDY LATEST IN GRIM CATALOGUE Japanese should get answers from US government following latest incident the cover-up surrounding incidents in European coastal waters should not be repeated. The possible loss of nine people on a trawler which was struck by a US nuclear submarine is the latest in a grim catalogue of incidents which may have claimed several hundred lives worldwide. In the Cold War period between 1979-89 there were scores of accidents at sea caused by the submarine activity of both NATO and the Warsaw Pact navies. In British coastal waters there were a significant number of such incidents and the Celtic League built up a detailed dossier of suspicious sinkings. The problem ultimately led to new codes of practice being introduced by submarines and UN conventions to address the issue. With the departure of both the US and Russians and the general decline in British undersea power the problem has dissipated in the coastal area around the British Isles. In its wake however were left the unexplained deaths of scores of fishermen many of whom disappeared without trace together with their vessels. The tragedy affected coastal communities in Ireland, north and South Wales, Scotland and Brittany. The most suspicious incidents occurred either in submarine "choke-points" or in designated exercise areas. Some incidents such as the Welsh MFV"Inspire" loss in 1988 point unerringly towards involvement by the Royal Navy. The MFV Mhari L from Kirkcudbright in SW Scotland disappeared in almost perfect weather in an area frequented by US Subs. Some, like the MFV Cite D'Aleth, a large deep water boat, with a 13 strong crew, managed a Mayday but most vanished without trace. A call by the Celtic League following the end of the Cold War for an enquiry into all the tragedies went unheeded and August 26th 1994 Officers of the Celtic League sailed to a submarine exercise area in the south-central Irish sea and laid a wreath listing 20 fishing vessels on which over 100 fishermen had died. It is to be hoped that the Japanese government get full cooperation from the US authorities concerning this latest tragedy and that the cover-up perpetrated in European waters is not repeated. J.B. Moffatt pp. Celtic League ===================== BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND ENGLISH HERITAGE UNDER ATTACK "Sadly it is a matter of record that, wherever they have gone in the world, the English have done their level best to destroy and assimilate other cultures. One only has to ask the people of Ireland, India or South Africa" The above quote, from Cornish Nationalist and member of the Cornish Parliament, Craig Weatherill, appeared recently in the Plymouth based Western Morning News*. In the article Craig Weatherill sets out clearly the separate identity and rights of the Cornish people putting them in a succinct but clear historical context. He also launches a devastating attack on the record of English Heritage (EH) in Cornwall and refutes their right to represent the history and culture of Cornwall and the Cornish people. A major campaign is ongoing in Cornwall at present in which signs erected by English Heritage are either being removed or defaced. Their is however a more deep seated sentiment than a simple rejection of EH. Many Cornish people are awakening to the fact that as other areas in he British Isles and in Europe are achieving devolved status Cornwall's legitimate aspiration to devolution and ultimate independence is being ignored. Weatherill also has a sting at the end of the article for any who would attach Cornish nationalism as anti-English he says: "I neither deny nor belittle the rights of an Englishman to be English. Is it to much to ask for them to afford Cornish people the same courtsey". Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 10/02/01 =================== MANX GAELIC INITIATIVE IN TYNWALD Peter Karran a member of the Lower House, the House of Keys, of the Manx Legislature is to move a number of amendments to the new Manx Education Bill. If adopted the amendments will strengthen the position of Manx Gaelic Education One amendment seeks to include a clause whereby: "If it appears to the Department (Isle of Man Department of Education) that the number of parents desiring their children to be taught through the medium of Manx Gaelic is sufficient to enable a school to be maintained for providing primary education or secondary education through that medium the Department shall make either - a) an order under section (1) establishing such as School, or b) an order under subsection (2) altering the character of an existing school so as to provide for the teaching in the school to be through the medium of Manx Gaelic" Another clause seeks to stimulate the provision of teachers for the language programme - text as follows: "The Department shall make arrangements for teachers in provided schools and maintained schools, if they so wish, to undergo training for the purpose of enabling them to carry out their duties through the medium of Gaelic" Other proposals he will move cover the involvement of organisations concerned with promoting the language in an advisory role and the provision of Gaelic library facilities at all libraries maintained by the Department. If adopted Peter Karran's proposals will give a firm emphasis in the bill to Gaelic. Peter is an outspoken proponent of the language and he seems certain to put every effort into persuading his 23 colleagues in the Keys to support his stance. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 10/02/01 ===================== GAS BLAST SCARE AT SELLAFIELD Allegations that safety warnings were ignored for three hours as build up of explosive gases occurred The latest safety scandal at Sellafield shows that few if any lessons have been learned following the series of safety deficiencies uncovered last year. A major disaster was narrowly averted at Sellafield's nuclear waste plant in Cumbria, last month, (26/01/01) when more than 2,000 tonnes of high-level nuclear waste almost exploded. The British government are aware of the incident but once again it seems to have been a situation which did not result in warnings being given to nations such as Ireland and the Isle of Man that have long standing safety concerns about the complex It has been alleged that safety procedures were so lax at one of the plant's waste storage facilities that workers ignored alarm warnings of a build-up of explosive gases for nearly three hours. The gases were accumulating in the 21 tanks that each store 100 tonnes of deadly waste. Had the situation continued for several hours longer the tanks would have become explosive. As usual BNFL are talking down the incident but admit they did have to close down the Thorp plant during the incident. However, some UK politicians and independent nuclear safety experts believe the situation was one of the most serious the plant has faced in recent years. Nuclear consultant John Large said 'Those 21 tanks of waste contain huge quantities of the most hazardous materials on the nuclear site, if not the planet' said John Large, one of the world's leading nuclear engineers. 'A similarly sized tank blew up in the Russian area of Chelyabinsk in 1957 and on its own devastated an area the size of central London.' This latest safety scare coincides with renewed shipments of waste to the plant from Germany and the Netherlands. The Celtic League which has already made representations about the shipments will renew its call for a moratorium whilst the safety standards at Sellafield are assessed. we understand that other environmental groups are also expressing concerns and the German Office of Greenpeace has voiced its concerns to the German Environment Minister, Juergen Trittin Bernard Moffatt Secretary General - Celtic League 12/02/01 ==================== SCOT'S 'THUMB UP' FOR CS SPRAY However, Home Office still tight-lipped on unpublished Porton Down research The Police Division of the Scottish Executive Justice Department has said that the introduction of CS Spray by some Police Forces in Scotland "was not taken lightly and was developed in consultation with numerous public and independent bodies". They also set out the distinct research undertaken in Scotland before its introduction. The statements are contained in a response to a query from the Celtic League which has been surveying the introduction of CS Spray in various Celtic countries. The Scottish Exeutives response balances some of the concerns over the introduction of CS Spray and is welcomed by the Celtic League. The League are also impressed by the thorough and independent manner in which Scottish Authorities approached the introduction of CS Spray. However, we are disappointed that a parallel response from the United Kingdom Home Office failed to address the issue of unpublished research into the effects of CS carried out at the Chemical & Biological Research Establishment at Porton Down. The Celtic League intend to continue to press for this information to be released. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 17/02/01 ================== ANOTHER BNFL BLUNDER The HSE has published a statement critical of safety provisions at BNFL. On this occasion it is the companies facility at Hunterston in Scotland that is in the firing line. The HSE comment issued as part of its third quarter statement (for 2000) of Nuclear Incidents at Nuclear Installations reveals that contaminated material was 'lost' at the plant and has not been located. HSE say: " On 9th august 2000, staff at Hunterson A (Power Station) discovered that a high energy beta radiation source could not be located and that the source may have been exported from the site as part of a consignment of scrap metal". They go on to outline the procedures followed and the failure to locate the missing material. The report concluded that the incident indicated "significant failures in safety provisions". BNFL operates a chain of nuclear installations around the Irish sea including the troubled and accident prone waste reprocessing plant at Sellafield. This latest report indicates that BNFL safety standards generally still fail to meet acceptable standards. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 17/02/01 ================== MANX NATIONAL HERITAGE UNDER ATTACK Manx National Heritage (MNH) which oversee Museums and Trust Lands on the Isle of Man has recently come under attack from a number of members of the House of Keys (MHKs) because of operating deficits. MNH is reputed to have an operating loss over five years of over £1,000,000. Paradoxically some years ago the organisation was under attack from some quarters for being to commercial in its approach and some still see its decision, made some years ago, to re-brand itself as a mistake. Others criticise a perceived failure to promote more prominently the Gaelic culture and language of the Island at its sites. Between the conflicting arguments however one thing is very clear MNH has engaged in a programme of expansion which has made its presentation of Manx history more relevant and presentable. It has also won considerable International respect which is no mean. It is obvious that its flagship project the House of Mannanan has lost considerable income. However there was a conscious decision taken to site it in the west of the Island thereby stimulating the tourist development potential of the area and whilst this may have affected visitor numbers it was almost certainly a correct decision. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 17/02/01 =================== CULTURE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE - NO THANKS There has been much derision on the Isle of Man following an attempt by outspoken politician, Peter Karran MHK, to move an amendment to the Income Tax Bill which would have given tax rebates to Manx Gaelic speakers based on the achievement of certain competence levels. The media competed with themselves to either directly deride or talk down the proposal. It appears that no one was aware that two decades ago in Ireland similar moves, which introduced tax breaks for artists, writers etc. were introduced. Also in Ireland benefit concessions, including higher levels of house purchase support for those in the Gaeltacht were introduced. Whatever one thinks of Peter Karran's proposal, often delivered in characteristically outspoken fashion, they do contain more than an element of substance. This week he again unsuccessfully attempted to persuade his well-heeled Tynwald (Manx Parliament) colleagues that an Island awash with money should, as a Social imperative, introduce a minimum wage of £5. He was of course defeated. It is not Karran, who has spoken out for the Island's culture and on behalf of the wage disenfranchised that should be derided. It is the spineless members of Tynwald who refused to vote with him and support the two resolutions which were respectively innovative and just. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 17/02/01 =========================== MANX GAELIC EDUCATION CONTROVERSY A House of Keys member was unsuccessful in his attempts to move several amendments to consolidate the position of Gaelic Education when the Isle of Man government moved to the clauses stage of the new Isle of Man Education Act. Despite support from several other members he failed to get the necessary votes. The new Bill contains for the first time a stipulation that the language, culture and history of the Island must be part of the curriculum. It also includes provision for the Department of Education to consult with language organisations about future policy. However, this was not enough for Peter Karran MHK. He moved several amendments the most important of which sought to have established an advisory committee, drawn from interested language groups, to advise on how the Gaelic education programme should develop. He also sought to include provision for the training of more staff to resource the Gaelic education programme and specific provision for the inclusion of Gaelic units in schools. The Manx government, via its Education Minister, Steve Rodan MHK, could scarcely conceal their irritation with Mr. Karran's amendments. The Manx government maintain that the new Act does include provision for the further development of the Manx language. Minister Rodan said he was "disappointed with the reaction to what he saw as a progressive Bill". Mr. Karran also came in for criticism from the media. The Islands main tabloid paper, the Manx Independent, ran an editorial with the leader " Don't shout to loudly, Mr. Karran". The editorial said: "No one can deny educating children about Manx culture is paramount in a society some say is losing its sense of national identity. The Education Bill, making its way through the Island's political system, is one huge and positive step towards restoring that loss" The editorial goes on to suggest that Mr. Karran's crusading might backfire provoking an adverse public reaction. However, Peter Karran seems unlikely to let the matter rest. He told Tynwald (the Manx legislature) "This country shouldn't be ashamed of its past but proud of its heritage". He also attacked that attitude of what he described as 'moronic' Ministers for their stance towards the language. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 17/02/01 =============================== GAELIC MEDIUM SCHOOL SAVED Perth and Kinross Council have shelved plans to cut the Gaelic medium primary and nursery unit at Perth, other cuts to Gaelic education support services have also been dropped. The ground swell of opposition against the proposals was such that they were not even considered as part of a general cost cutting exercise. Gaelic language organisations in Scotland have extended their thanks to all who supported the campaign in which several branches of the Celtic League became involved. The cost cutting proposals however should give all those committed to promoting the Celtic languages 'food for thought'. Gaelic education services were apparently listed along with such areas as grass cutting and general maintenance. This is a shocking indictment of the value that some individuals in the education service in Scotland place on their language. The episode also highlights the need for widespread co-ordination and rapid response from the inter-Celtic movement when language promotion and education is threatened in any of our countries. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 17/02/01 ======================== MOD NOT A "GOOD NEIGHBOUR" Ireland criticised for failing to take more robust stance on DU testing The decision by the MOD to allow its research quango, DERA, to resume testing of depleted uranium munitions (DU) is clearly at odds with previously stated environmental policy spelled out by the Department. In a letter to Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon the Celtic League point out that in the MOD Environmental Policy published five years ago and signed by the former Defence Secretary Michael Portillo the MOD insisted that from an environmental point of view it would strive to be a "good neighbour". The League have cited the widespread concern expressed by local people, politicians and environmental groups both in England, Scotland and the Isle of Man saying that the MOD's blatant disregard for the concerns of this wide swathe of public opinion flies in the face of its avowed good neighbour credentials. Meanwhile the League has also blasted the Irish government because of their inertia on the DU issue. In a letter to Irish Premier, Bertie Ahern, the Secretary General of the Celtic League he was disturbed at reports in the media that the Irish government were apparently unconcerned about continuing military pollution of the north Irish sea. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 17/02/01 ==================== "DIRTY MAN OF EUROPE" AT IT AGAIN Despite assurances given by the British government to reduce pollution from the Sellafield reprocessing plant the Celtic League believe that BNFL plan to increase the level of discharge. As part of the plans Sellafield's discharges of technetium-99 (Tc-99) are set to continue until at least 2006. Tc-99 remains dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years, and builds up in the food chain, particularly in lobsters. The UK Environment Agency (DETR) is currently undertaking public consultation on Sellafield's discharges, particularly technetium-99. Although discharges of the radioactive substance, which started to appear in noticeable amounts ten years ago, were reduced between 1995 and 12998 they have since increased. A failure by concerned parties to involve themselves in the current consultation process will be seen as a green light by BNFL, and sympathises in the DETR, to step up discharge of this and other pollutants. Assurances given by the UK to the OSPAR Commission in 1998 provide an illustration of the British governments double dealing on this matter. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott 'blathered' that "this is the day the UK finally throws of its mantle as the Dirty Man of Europe. We have promised to do all we can to clean up the seas". However, since that time pollution from Sellafield has increased. Concerned groups and individuals should write to the British Environment Agency* before the deadline for consultation of 5 March 2001. The Celtic League will be submitting our concerns and calling for an end to BNFL's production and discharge of Tc-99 and other wastes. SELLAFIELD REVIEW - ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PO BOX 114 PENRITH CUMBRIA CA11 9GN Fax 01768 892456 J B Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 21/02/01 =================== FORMER IRISH MINISTER OWNS UP TO OFF-SHORE ACCOUNTS It is past time there was an on-Island enquiry into the reasons for this influx of confidential Irish-sourced monies Former Irish government Minister, Ray Burke, who told the Irish parliament three years ago that he did not have off-shore bank accounts has now admitted, to a Dublin Tribunal*, that in fact he had three. During the question and answer session in the Dail, on September 10 1997, which followed a statement on the matter by Mr. Burke (then Minister for Foreign Affairs), Jim O'Keeffe TD asked if Mr Burke had lodged money in overseas accounts since 1989 and in particular in an account in the Isle of Man. Mr. Burke replied that he found the question "offensive in the extreme". He went on to deny that he had any overseas bank account. It appears however that his beneficial ownership of the accounts predated the question. Yesterday (22/02/01 at the Dublin Tribunal enquiring into these matters Mr. Burke owned up to bank accounts in the Isle of Man and other jurisdictions. The revelations, which seem set to continue, are the latest in a series which link Irish people from all walks of life to confidential accounts here since the late 1980s. It is this confidentiality which is intriguing the tribunal. Counsel for the Tribunal, Pat Hanratty SC, asked Mr. Burke why he went to such lengths to conceal his identity in the overseas accounts. "Confidentiality" was the response. This has led one Irish newspaper (The Irish Independent) to query "confidentiality from whom or what?" Evidence from Mr. Burke indicated that all the money was legitimate and came in the form of up-front political donations and was used to fund elections and look after constituents and party workers. The paper asks, "why then was it so important that his identity be hidden away?". The variety of names used for the accounts was also a source of bemusement to the media. Raphael Burke or Ray Burke as he was more commonly known, became Raphael P. Burke, Raphael P.D. Burke, PD Burke, Patrick Burke, Raphael Patrick Damian Burke The paper speculates that "there may be other variations". It seems likely that the Tribunal will uncover more details as it continues taking evidence from Mr. Burke. It seems likely that this enquiry will also lead to further linkage of Irish nationals to Manx bank accounts. It really is past time that the Manx government initiated some investigations of its own into why there was this influx of "Hibernian cash" from a variety of separate sources. Alternatively we can await the steady drip of revelations from Justice Flood's Tribunal. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 23/02/01 * The Flood Tribunal - chaired by Mr. Justice Flood. ====================== CAMPAIGNERS DELIGHTED AT WELSH MEDIUM SCHOOL VICTORY Campaigning parents are reported to be "delighted" after winning their campaign for a Welsh-medium primary school in one of the most predominantly English-speaking counties in Wales. The struggle to establish the unit began two years ago in south Monmouthshire because children had to endure a one-hour journey to Welsh schools in either the north of the county or in neighbouring Newport. There appears to have been initial opposition within the local Council however the issue was resolved when Labour councillors who had previously opposed the plan reversed their decision Campaigner Rhiannon Edwards said "It is also a victory for Wales, its culture and its heritage. We can now look forward to children getting the education they want and without having to travel so far." This latest good news for the Celtic languages comes hard on the heels of positive language education initiatives in Scotland and the Isle of Man. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 23/02/01 ==================== NATIONALISTS DON'T NEED LESSONS ON RACISM FROM LABOUR It is bemusing, if not a little embarrassing, for nationalists in other Celtic countries to watch events unfolding in Wales following comments made by Plaid Cymru Councillor Simon Glyn. The Gwynedd housing leader sparked an angry response over comments about curbing the number of incomers. There have been calls for his resignation, predictably choreographed by the (Welsh) Labour Party, and he has also received hate mail from English right-wing groups. Most disturbing however is the reaction of his own party who seem to be lurching between supporting and disowning him. Glyn has been labelled a racist for his remarks, when sensible analysis of these would indicate that he was simply highlighting a position which if unchecked could lead to racism. In any case, given the history of the Celtic countries and their treatment by the English government over many centuries, it 'sticks in the craw' a bit to see Celtic nationalists labelled as racist. All the Celtic countries have sustained immigration. In the case of the two smallest Cornwall and Mann that immigration has been substantial. Speaking at the annual commemoration for an executed martyr on Jan. 2nd the Chairman of the Manx Nationalist Party launched an outspoken attack on the impact of immigration into the Isle of Man, where the indigenous population is now a minority. He said: "Those who don't like the Manx people having a say in planning should leave the Island. More broadly, we should never be afraid to say to anybody who comes into this Island and disrespects the Manx people that they are more than welcome to leave. Manx is not a tax status. Manx is not a residential status. Manx is not having a work permit for five years. He went on: Many non-Manx people living here are now openly claiming that our minoritised status removes our right to primary consideration. I will say this to that sort of person: as long as this country has one Manx person left in it, then it is nobody else's". Strong stuff indeed. Many in Plaid Cymru who hear of this might believe that the next day there was a mass exodus of all the non indigenous people who have come to the Isle of Man and integrated, become members of the Manx National Party or involved themselves in the language and cultural revival. Well there was no exodus because people who move to a community on the basis of accepting that countries values and customs are not offended by such comment. Plaid should get up of its knees and support the position taken by Simon Glyn. Hiding from the Labour Party did not get Plaid Cymru to the position that it now holds in Wales. If anything the reaction of the Labour Party indicates that they fear open debate, seeking diversions which in the long run will be more socially divisive than any warning about immigration from England. If Labour in Wales, England, Scotland or wherever wish an open debate about racism they should start with an assessment of the reaction of Home Secretary Jack Straw to the bullying and violence which immigrants to South-East England and the Channel ports have received. Instead of using his powers to tackle the racists he dispersed those seeking asylum around the United Kingdom, in most instances against their will. The present attitude to asylum seekers by the Labour government is the most shameful episode since the UK closed the door to immigrants fleeing repression in pre-WW2 Europe. The Labour government whose record on racism Gleny's Kinnock seems to believe is so commendable has pursued a more iniquitous approach to immigration than their Tory predecessors (no mean feat). People have died in racist attacks without proper enquiry into the circumstances. People have died as a result of the immigration strictures which the Labour government apply. Institutions that Labour Home Secretary Jack Straw presides over such as the Metropolitan Police and parts of the Prison Service have had to own up to institutionalised racism, which still goes unchecked. I think before we hear any more criticisms of Simon Glyn some of Jack Straws Labour colleagues in Wales should give him the benefit of their received wisdom on the subject. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 24/02/01 =================== FOOT & MOUTH - BORDER THREAT As stringent efforts are initiated throughout the British Isles to combat the foot and mouth outbreak one area which will not be subject to controls appears to be the border area of N. Ireland. Military activity, particularly the movement of army foot patrols across country, already blamed for the spread of disease such as brucellosis in cattle seems set to continue. Today it was announced that military training in country areas of Great Britain will be curtailed. This is obviously good news for the Farming communities in Wales, Scotland and Cornwall. However, it appears that good sense is not going to prevail in N. Ireland, already the site of a suspicious stock death. South Armagh farmer Henry McElroy criticised the border military activity in today's Irish News newspaper saying: "The disease is spread through soil in tyres and boots from patrols. The Department of Agriculture needs to address this problem if they want to avoid an epidemic". McElroy is one of a number of South Armagh Farmers in the area long-critical of the disregard shown by the military force which occupies the area in considerable numbers. In January, in an feature article in the United Kingdom Guardian newspaper, he alleged that substantial numbers of his stock had died of diseases spread by troops traversing the area. With the entire British Isles on the alert to eliminate the threat posed by the spread of foot and mouth the Ministry Of Defence should take urgent action to ensure it plays its part - and that includes curtailing its patrol activity in border areas of N. Ireland and S. Armagh. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 24/02/01 ==================== PLUG IT! SELLAFIELD REVIEW TOLD The Celtic League have written to the review currently considering future discharges from the Sellafield reprocessing plant (see below). The League have called for an end to the discharges. We have also urged the conversion and storage of existing liquid wastes, particularly technetium-99 (Tc-99), in solid form. Tc-99 has caused specific pollution problems within the marine environment any further discharges will pose an intolerable environmental and economic threat to communities which depend on sea fisheries: "We write to register our opposition to any decision to allow continued discharge of technetium-99 (Tc-99) from the Sellafield reprocessing plant. The Management of the plant, throughout its operation, have shown scant regard for safety. In almost forty years of the operational life of the plant there have been a series of accidents and mishaps. In the past twelve months a series of revelations have uncovered serious safety shortcomings which indicate that despite its previous appalling record no lessons have been learned. In the circumstances, to even consider allowing the plant a licence to continue its discharge levels or increase them would be disastrous for the marine environment of the Irish sea, an area which the British government and BNFL have already seriously polluted. We trust the present review will conclude that the production of Tc-99 and other radioactive wastes should cease and that the planned closure of BNFL's Magnox reactors should be accelerated. We also trust that the review will recommend that all existing liquid waste be converted to solid form as the "least bad" option to contain this problem and to restrict further harm to the environment" . Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 26/02/01  Back to Celtic League News |