Friends of the Earth Birmingham Action Briefing Jun 98/Jul 98

Ed Line

Welcome to the June/July edition of Action Briefing.

We've got a number of important campaign updates for you in this issue. In particular, since the last Action Briefing there's a been a renewed focus on the City Council's waste and recycling policy and the Tysley Incinerator. This is all thanks to your letter writing- it makes an impact! Questions are being asked. To those who've written to the Council and their MP, thank you. It's time to write again though, see Paul Webb's article which begins on page 8. To those who haven't written yet- please do! Your letters and your opinions really do make a difference. See page 8 for contact details.

While I'm on the subject of letter writing, if you haven't written to your MP about the impending vote on the Multinational Agreement on Investment (MAI) please, DO IT NOW!! This piece of legislation will give virtual carte blanche to multi-national companies and seriously undermine the power of national government to maintain 'local' statute that conflicts with global multinational interests. See report in April/May's Action Briefing, more info available from Reception.

FOE volunteers have been actively out and about over the last two months. We took part in the Lord Mayor's Show, with a stall and display in the 'Green Village'; fortunately for us we had protection from the rain. A number of volunteers went walkabout during G8 weekend with a 'mobile stall' and later took part in the Jubilee 2000 chain, 'linking up' with Coventry and Stratford-Upon-Avon local FOE groups (see cover photos). We've also begun taking stalls out to suburban shopping areas such as Kings Heath, with displays on our work and campaigns. 'Talks and presentations' are still proving very popular. If you know of any schools or groups who would like to hear more about FOE's activities and environmental issues then please contact Reception.

Finally, we're all off for some fun at the Glastonbury Festival at the end of June, earning some dosh for FOE in the process: once again we're staffing the property lock-ups. A few places are still available- see advert below. The work's not hard and it's good fun. Get in touch ASAP! We'll tell you all about it when we get back and you'll be sorry you didn't come.

Oh, and don't forget our party on August 2nd: see opposite page.

Byeee!!

Richard