EU Commission Monitor - 14/11/08

Intercultural Dialogue: a Challenge for faiths and convictions?
"Religious beliefs, philosophies and convictions are an integral part of cultural diversity which, through dialogue, can enrich our societies and contribute to individual fulfilment. But in our increasingly diverse cultural environments, the broad spectrum of faiths, beliefs and convictions can lead to misconceptions and fears. In the worst cases, people suffer the consequences of others' prejudice in the form of discrimination due to their conviction or religious belief.
Around 100 participants attended a conference organised today (read: 11th November) by the European Commission in the framework of the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, and as a follow-up to the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. Three working sessions focused on challenges for education, the media, and dialogue between faiths and convictions. " [Dialogue]

Heron's Eye 27/10/08

Government must be bold to deal with recession 24/10/08
MP John McFall lays out a possible solution to ensure an equitable injection into the economy. [Guardian]

Borrowing more is responsible, says Gordon Brown 27/10/08
“Gordon Brown insisted today that increasing borrowing to shore up the economy was the "responsible" thing to do.” [Guardian] [Guardian]

MP's anger as state bears cost of any Sellafield disaster 27/10/08
“Taxpayers have been left with unlimited liability amounting to billions of pounds should there be a repeat of a nuclear accident at Sellafield under a deal signed with a US-led consortium which takes over the decommissioning of the waste facility from November 24. The indemnity even covers accidents and leaks that are the consortium's fault.” [Guardian]

Woolas dropped from TV panel after gaffes
“Immigration minister Phil Woolas has been axed by the government from a high-profile television appearance, days after making a series of gaffes. Woolas, who controversially called for population curbs and predicted the disestablishment of the Church of England, had been due to appear on tonight's Question Time on BBC1. A Home Office spokesman confirmed the change of plan but insisted the decision had been taken on the basis of the most topical subject matter.” [Guardian]

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