Save Bray Studios…The studio associated with Hammer Films looks set be demolished to make way for luxury housing

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See petition from ipetitions.com

Bray Studios is part of our great cultural history with the Main house dating back to the 1600′s and later our cinema legacy. We intend to preserve it. The iconic Bray Studios, home of Hammer Horror films, the early roots of the Special Effects and classic movies in Britain and the cherished venue for top British musicians and rock bands is under threat of being turned into 7 executive homes . The entire site consisting of studios, sound stages, workshops and backlot with the heritage Grade II listed Main House has been deliberately run into the ground, in order to keep business out and declare the property unviable and unprofitable in order to push through planning permission. We have a comprehensive list of eminent directors, producers, musicians and rock stars, who wanted to book stage space and were turned away with the excuse that the studio was fully booked. The British Film Industry, the Music Industry NEED YOUR SUPORT Please help us by signing this petition and sending letters of support to Save Bray Studios Facebook page these will be presented to government bodies, Thank you. …Sign the petition

Free Expression…Except on TV…European Court looks set to rule against Britain’s broadcast ban on political advertising on grounds of the right to free expression

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See article from independent.co.uk

Britain may be forced to lift its ban on broadcasting political advertising when the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rules on its lawfulness tomorrow. The campaign group Animal Defenders International (ADI) was told it could not run adverts highlighting the plight of caged primates. Because the organisation was not a charity, it was treated as a political group. ADI said this was a breach of its right to freedom of expression and appealed against the decision. The final ruling in its attempts to overturn the ban on its adverts will be handed down tomorrow. If ADI is successful, the Government will have to amend the laws regarding political advertising or even lift the ban altogether. The ECHR has overturned similar bans in Norway and Switzerland. Jacob Rowbottom, a fellow in constitutional law at University College, Oxford, said: It seems very likely that they will find the complete blanket ban on paid political advertising to violate freedom of expression. Update: Political adverts will continue to be banned 23rd April 2013.  See article from independent.co.uk See also ‘political’ chimp advert from YouTube See ECHR Judgement from bailii.org An animal rights group has narrowly lost an attempt to end the broadcast ban on paid political advertising in the UK. Human rights judges in Strasbourg ruled in a 9-8 test case verdict that Government refusal to allow Animal Defenders International to screen a TV advert promoting animal rights was not a breach of ADI’s freedom of expression. The Strasbourg judges declared: The court noted that both parties (ADI and the Government) maintained that they were protecting the democratic process. It found in particular that the reviews of the ban by both parliamentary and judicial bodies had been exacting and pertinent, taking into account the European Court’s case law. The judges said the ban only applied to advertising and ADI had access to alternative media, both broadcast and non-broadcast .

Pestering Government…Campaign group seek a ban on advertising targetting under 11s

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See article from telegraph.co.uk See Get real. Banning adverts will not stop children wanting things  from telegraph.co.uk by Matilda Reid

SIR — We want to see an immediate end to all advertising aimed at children of primary school age and younger. We have sleepwalked into a situation where the advertising industry, worth ฃ12 billion a year in Britain alone, is allowed to turn techniques designed to manipulate adult emotions and desires on to children as young as two or three. This is wrong. Almost all children under 11 depend on their parents for money. So advertising makes heavy use of “pester power”, as it is more effective than targeting parents directly. Yet a civilised society should require advertisers to sell to parents, not to children. When children are learning about the cost of material things, and about managing small quantities of money, they should be free to do so without the pressures put on them by advertising. As things stand, we are in danger of turning out young consumers rather than young citizens — people who define themselves more by what they buy than by what they can contribute to society. Children should be free to channel their energies into forming friendships, discovering their talents and unleashing their imaginations; things that cost little but whose value is immeasurable. Bans on advertising aimed at young children are already working in places such as Sweden, Quebec and Greece. It’s time for a similar ban here. Jonathan Kent, Co-founder, Leave Our Kids Alone Rupert Read, Co-Founder, Leave Our Kids Alone Bel Mooney, Writer George Monbiot, Author, journalist and campaigner Natalie Bennett, Leader, Green Party of England and Wales Caroline Lucas, MP Sue Palmer, Author, ‘Toxic Childhood’ Claude Knights FRSA, Director of Kidscape Pippa Smith, Co Chairman, Safermedia Miranda Suit , Co Chairman, Safermedia And many others

21st Century Miserabalism…Rupert Murdoch tweets that he is considering the future for Page 3

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See article from guardian.co.uk

I n a single, apparently off-the-cuff remark on the internet, Rupert Murdoch hinted that he may at last be ready to give way to Britain’s miserabalists. Responding to a fellow user of Twitter who described Page 3 as so last century , News Corp’s chairman and chief executive commented: Page three so last century! You maybe right, don’t know but considering. Perhaps halfway house with glamorous fashionistas. A News International spokesperson said the company was making no comment in relation to whether the Sun’s topless Page 3 could be for the axe.

Wight Plonkers…Isle of Wight Council offended by cartoon bare back

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See article from dailymail.co.uk

Ludicrous council prudes have banned a poster for the Isle of Wight music festival from appearing on taxis because of a bare back. The illustration, showing a purple-haired mermaid, has been used by the festival for the past five years. Taxi drivers were left baffled when council bosses rejected the art deco-inspired design for being too rude. Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings tweeted: Just had our @IsleOfWightFest taxi design rejected by the council for the mermaid being “naked” – hilarious!! However, presumably due to widespread derision and newspaper pressure, the council changed its mind and relented on the ban. Bill Murphy, Isle of Wight Council head of planning and regulatory services, said: Having looked at this issue I believe the decision was the wrong one. We will inform the taxi company that the council does not object to the design.

Liberty’s Human Rights Awards…Award winners announced

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See article from liberty-human-rights.org.uk

Outstanding human rights leaders from all walks of life were honoured for their efforts at Liberty’s annual Human Rights Awards in London last night. Inspirational legal figures, young people, artists and campaigners were rewarded for their work in protecting and promoting the rights of others at the ceremony at the capital’s Southbank Centre.Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, said:  It is a joy to celebrate the dedication, commitment and achievements of all our winners and nominees, every one of whom has done so much to protect precious rights and freedoms. With human rights so often trashed in certain circles, and in the shadow of Secret Courts and the Snoopers’ Charter, it is all the more inspiring to reward our winners’ efforts. The Liberty Human Rights Awards 2012 winners and category nominees in full were: Lifetime Achievement Award:   Baroness Jane Campbell of Surbiton – In recognition of a career dedicated to defending and upholding the rights of disabled people in the UK. She has fought hard to change attitudes towards disabled people, focusing on much-needed support as opposed to charity. Independent Voice of the Year: Lord Pannick – For his vocal and forensic opposition to the Justice and Security Bill as a cross-bench peer in the House of Lords. Since becoming a peer, he has consistently held the Government to account on Rule of Law and human rights issues. The other nominees were Salma Yaqoob and The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt. Rev. James Jones. Human Rights Campaigner of the Year Award: Open Rights Group and 38 Degrees – For their effective campaigning work to defend freedom of expression and civil liberties in the digital age which has, in a very short time, made a huge impact in the way social change is effected — particularly their online campaigns against the “Snoopers’ Charter”. The other nominees were Change.org and Blacklist Support Group. Lifetime Achievement Award:   Sir Nicolas Bratza – In recognition of fourteen years’ dedicated service as the UK judge of the European Court of Human Rights, culminating in his appointment as President of the Court in 2011. In addition to his judicial work, Sir Nicolas has also played a vital role in seeking to defend human rights and the Rule of Law from unjustified attack. Human Rights Arts Award, in association with Southbank Centre: Jenny Sealey – For her tireless work with deaf and disabled artists. Her commitment to providing audiences and actors with a true theatrical experience culminated in her co-artistic direction of over 3,000 participants at the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games this year. The other nominees were Baaba Maal, Mark Cousins and Deborah Warner, Fiona Shaw and Artichoke. Human Rights “Close to Home” Award: Aaron Sonson, Satwant Singh Kenth, Gregory Paczkowski – For providing important public information about individual rights and the potential abuse of police powers through their mobile app “Stop and Search”. The app itself has now had over 2,600 downloads and over 150 experiences uploaded. The other nominees were Ashley John-Baptiste and Mark Neary. Human Rights Lawyer of the Year: Ben Cooper – For his committed and tireless work on some of the most complex and difficult extradition cases. Ben acted for Gary McKinnon throughout his fight against extradition to the US, finally achieving justice only last month. The other nominees were Raggi Kotak of One Pump Court and Michael Oswald at Bhatt Murphy. Human Rights Young Person of the Year: Martha Payne – For defending free expression when she stood up to her local council after they banned her publishing pictures of schools meals on her blog, NeverSeconds. The council backed down after outcry and, since then, her website has been visited by over six million people and has raised more than ฃ100,000 for charity Mary’s Meals. The other nominees were Scottish Youth Parliament and Eilidh Naismith and Billy Davidson. Human Rights “Long Walk” Award: Hillsborough Family Support Group, Hillsborough Justice Campaign and Hope for Hillsborough – For their unwavering dedication to seeking justice for the 96 victims, their families and the survivors of the Hillsborough Disaster. The tireless campaigning efforts of these groups have finally led to the publication of the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel. The other nominees were the “Mau Mau” Litigants and Medical Justice.

Let Loose and hanging Loose…Naked rambler freed again after suffering six years of Scottish injustice

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See  article from  dailymail.co.uk

The Naked Rambler was back doing what he loves best, hiking across the countryside with just a hat and walking boots on. Stephen Gough was released after serving six years for public nudity. Well-wishers grinned and photographed the 53-year-old rambler. Lothian and Borders Police have said they are willing to exercise discretion in his case if circumstances permit .

Political Appeal…Christian Radio political advertising case to go another round

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See  article from  christian.org.uk

A Christian radio station has been given the go-ahead to appeal a court decision which upheld a ban on an advert asking Christians whether they are being sidelined at work. In its decision to grant the appeal, the court said the radio station’s case is Arguable and important . The legal wrangling centres on a 30 second advert, which was due to air at the time of the last general election. The ad quoted surveys showing that 60 per cent of active Christians were being increasingly marginalised at work. The Radio Advertising Clearance Centre (RACC) stopped it from being aired, claiming that it was directed to a political end . But lawyers for Premier said: The advertisement was not a political message but a request for information which could then be used as part of the normal democratic process, where ideas and views are expressed in public discussion, contradicted, answered and debated.

The Only Menace is the CPS…Twitter Joke conviction quashed on appeal as the tweet lacked ‘menace’

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See  article from  ukhumanrightsblog.com See  judgement [pdf] from  judiciary.gov.uk See  article from  indexoncensorship.org

The famous Twitter joke conviction of Paul Chambers has been overturned on appeal, bringing welcome clarity to what is and what is not an offence of this type. On discovering a week before he was due to take a flight that the airport was closed due to adverse weather conditions, he tweeted: Crap! Robin Hood Airport is closed. You’ve got a week and a bit to get your shit together otherwise I am blowing the airport sky high!! There was no evidence that this tweet alarmed any of his followers. It was picked up several days later by an employee of the airport, and it was referred to another member of staff, who took did not consider it a credible threat, but as a matter of procedure it was referred to the airport police. They took no action, other than to refer it to South Yorkshire Police. Chambers was arrested and charged, then later convicted of the offence of sending by a public electronic communication network a message of a menacing character contrary to the Communications Act 2003. He appealed from the Magistrates’ Court to the Crown Court, and then to the Divisional Court (part of the High Court). The Court noted that in order to be menacing, as a matter of fact the people who receive or read it, or may reasonably be expected to do so, feel apprehension or fear. So, if those people instead, …brush it aside as a silly joke, or a joke in bad taste, or empty bombastic or ridiculous banter, then it would be a contradiction in terms to describe it as a message of a menacing character. In short, a message which does not create fear or apprehension in those to whom it is communicated, or who may reasonably be expected to see it, falls outside this provision, for the very simple reason that the message lacks menace. A CPS spokesman said: We accept the court’s reasoning and consider this to be the end of the matter. Speaking to Index on Censorship, Paul Chambers said he felt relieved and vindicated by the decision, adding that the case should never have got this far . Chambers’s solicitor David Allen Green said: This shameful prosecution should never have been brought.

Olympics Gets a Reputation for Miserable Control Freaks…Hopefully they will be a bit too short staffed to enforce restrictions on linking to their website

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See  article from  blog.indexoncensorship.org

Our attention has been drawn to the terms of use of the London Olympics 2012 website, which make it very clear under what circumstances you’re allowed link to the site: Links to the Site. You may create your own link to the Site, provided that your link is in a text-only format. You may not use any link to the Site as a method of creating an unauthorised association between an organisation, business, goods or services and London 2012, and agree that no such link shall portray us or any other official London 2012 organisations (or our or their activities, products or services) in a false, misleading, derogatory or otherwise objectionable manner. The use of our logo or any other Olympic or London 2012 Mark(s) as a link to the Site is not permitted. Got that? You’re only allowed link to the official site of the Olympics if you’re going to say nice things about the Olympics. …Read the full article