Aidan Barlow

Bid to restart Premier League football in June looks reckless and greedy

5/8/2020

FOOTBALL around the world is facing an uncertain future as the lockdown continues and cash for clubs has all but dried up.

While all the Premier League teams have said they wish to finish the season, the plans dubbed “Project Restart” seem far-fetched and reckless.

At a time when we are still expected to distance ourselves, a large gathering behind closed doors at neutral grounds is still too risky and too soon.

Put simply, the rapacious greed of football cannot be put above the vital needs of society.

Without doubt, all clubs should be planning in whatever way they can for a restart.

Yet perhaps the scariest prospect for boardroom chiefs would not only be declaring the current season null and void, but accepting that next season is probably a write-off too.

Our current situation is akin to that of the First and Second World Wars. This is the scale of the crisis the world faces for both public health and the global economy.

Football tried to carry on during the Great War and completed the 1914 to 1915 season, but the public did not respond well to it, and the 1915 to 1916 season was cancelled.

At a time when hundreds of people still die from coronavirus every day, keeping people safe must be the main concern.

We should expect a much longer interruption to the beautiful game, be that months or even years, if it means lives can be saved.

Meanwhile the plans for Project Restart seem to be unravelling.

It was reported by the BBC that club doctors have raised their fears to Premier League bosses, and we await to hear their answers.

Right now, player safety cannot be guaranteed.

Concerns about whether the Premier League would be liable if football players or staff got seriously ill or died have not been addressed.

Why the rush? The Esk has reported on the money worries facing football sponsorship deals and player contracts.

But Fifa’s chief medical officer said it may be better to hold off until the end of August before we know what position society is in.

Other questions about what would happen if a squad had to self-isolate, thus making a club unable to play a match, must also be vexing the bosses.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was in self-isolation, forcing suspension of all top flight fixtures in March.

The Athletic has reported that for the season to resume, as many as 40,000 coronavirus tests would be needed.

How can this possibly be justified at a time when as a country we have not been able to deliver effective testing for doctors, nurses and frontline care staff?

Even before footballers, there are countless other workers who do not yet have access to tests who should come first. Care home workers, teachers, and supermarket staff are all more important, for example.

If in June we are still being asked to keep our distance from one another to stop the spread of coronavirus, it is not acceptable to allow 22 men (or women) to run around a field with hundreds more staff in the background to make it happen.

As a gay man, if football does return on June 8, what is to stop me inviting 22 men to my flat for an orgy? (Assuming of course I can find 22 men who are interested)

In my view the both present the same risks of infection. At least in the latter case I may get the workout I need.

If neutral venues are used, then teams will have to travel, stay, and be fed.

At a time when the Government is still warning us about non-essential travel, how would these journeys to neutral stadia be justified?

For me it shows scant regard for low-paid hotel staff, coach drivers, and catering staff who would have to be on-hand for Premier League squads.

Why should they put themselves at extra risk?

The Government has set out its five tests for coming out of the lockdown, and we await to see what restrictions, if any, will be eased.

But until testing capacity is ramped up so that everyone who needs a test can get one, or there is an effective vaccine, then football cannot restart safely.

Twitter @aidanbarlow89

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The battle against Boris has started= Brighton protests against new PM

7/27/2019

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This week Britain has seen the change of yet another Prime Minister, as the malaise in the ruling Conservative Party continues.

Hundreds of protesters marched in Brighton, and thousands have joined similar marches against him across the country.

But while the protest felt somewhat muted, and was not a mass outcry, it still points to how important a protest movement will be to challenge Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson.

It was noteworthy because it brought together people from different political backgrounds, including the trade unions, Extinction Rebellion, LGBT activists, the Labour Party, and more.

I arrived a little late, so missed one or two of the speeches, but a core theme that emerged was how campaigners from various groups will need to stick together.

At the moment, Boris Johnson is a loose cannon, but his appointment of a staunchly hard right wing cabinet should fool no one about the direction he seeks to take.

His previous comments about Muslim women wearing burkha show he is prepared to deploy racism or any division if it suits him.

So unity is a key to challenge him, but so is a grassroots protest movement that has confidence in itself.

At Brighton today there were some signs of this, some seeds have been sewn which will grow in the months to come.

On the march I spoke with a variety of people, some were student socialists who wanted to contribute their voice in opposition to the new government, but there were others too who have been inspired by other protest movements.

Wolfran Lohr told me his son had joined the Brighton youth climate strikes, which has inspired him to stand up and use his voice too.

Meanwhile Nikolai Brown joined the protest in her wheelchair to rightly point out that this is the second Tory Prime Minister we have had foisted upon us without a general election.

One speaker at The Level was Alex McIntyre, who has been organising Wetherspoons workers to fight for their rights and for union protections against a very Pro-Brexit boss.

He said: “Boris Johnson is a racist, sexist, homophobic bigot who does not represent any of us.”

His kind of campaign in the event of a “no deal Brexit” will be crucial to give people in non-unionised industries a voice against the bosses.

Nell Chipping from Brighton Queer AF spoke very well about Johnson’s record on LGBT rights, and is right to point out the danger the Tories now pose to rights which have been hard won for many different communities.

One speaker from the UCU union also made the age old but hugely important statement about the left, that while we may disagree about what tactics to take, the tactics are not the problem we have to focus on, toppling the Tory government is the key objective.

My fear is that a protest movement which has been crucial in making Jeremy Corbyn the leader of the Labour Party has been sidelined for too long.

There have not been enough protests against the Conservatives, perhaps as Labour has tried to project an image that it is not just a protest movement, but a party ready for government.

That is Labour’s business, but the protest movement across many campaigns is vital, and should never be put in a box and stored away to the side.

It should be front and centre of any campaign for a radical government that puts people and the planet first.

In the past we have seen how protest movements can radically change politics, be it anti-war, anti-racism, or fighting against the destruction of climate change.

The Labour leadership would do well to remember the power of street protests and a movement, it could be the only thing which can halt the Tories and challenge their free-market ideas.

“We want a general election now” was one of the chants alongside “Johnson out!” on the protest today.

It felt a bit tentative, but its strength was perhaps more in the range of groups being represented on the demonstration.

Boris will probably get a honeymoon period, because for however unpopular he is with the left, he is also popular with the right.

He will seek to use this to his advantage in the forthcoming weeks to shore-up support in the Tory party and for a no deal Brexit.

It will be the task for the left to build a movement that makes his job even more of a poisoned chalice than that which Theresa May inherited.

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The logo that has defined generations of struggle- CND at 60

2/16/2018

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The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament became one of Britain's first mass movements. (Picture courtesy of CND)

It is a simple design that is now renowned the world over as a symbol for peace and for campaigning against nuclear weapons.

Perhaps the artist Gerald Holtom would never have realised how widespread the image would be when he offered to come up with designs for the Twickenham branch of the newly established Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in February, 1958.

Originally he had sought to use a Christ-like crucifix inside the circle, which would have looked very different indeed.

But instead, the Royal College of Art graduate turned to semaphore flags as his guide to creating a lasting image, using the signals for “N” and “D” to come up with the new symbol.

It was unveiled before the Campaign’s first march to the Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment in the Berkshire countryside.

The logo was unveiled in February 1958. (Picture courtesy of CND)

What I hadn’t known before, was the Gerald Holtom had moved to the nearby town of Hythe in 1962, and lived there until his death in 1985. He is buried in the Spring Lane Cemetery in the coastal town.

I spoke with Folkestone historian Mark Hourahane about the artist’s legacy for people in the town. He said: “His connection to Hythe is important for us to remember, it was one design job which has left a lasting impression around the world.

“You see pictures from protests around the world, such as in China, where you can’t understand the writing, but you see the symbol and you then know the reason they are protesting. The symbol is hugely important.”

Perhaps the symbol has lost some of its original meaning as being a tool to organise people as part of a campaign calling for unilateral nuclear disarmament.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the movement grew and in terms of political polling the highest number of people supported scrapping the arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and working for a world free of the terror of nuclear war.

Gerald Holtom is buried in the coastal town of Hythe in Kent. (Picture courtesy of Mark Hourahane)

The logo for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, designed by artist Gerald Holtom. (Picture courtesy of CND)

Even amidst the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, thousands joined the annual march at Aldermaston to Trafalgar Square.

It was one of the largest mass movements that drew on wide sectors of public support, from radical anarchists, revolutionary socialists, and communists to liberals and pacifist campaigners.

But what is interesting, as CND marks its 60th anniversary, is how the symbol for the campaign has been adopted by successive social movements and protest campaigns.

In the United States it took on a meaning of “peace” but was also a widely used logo in civil rights struggles and the anti-Vietnam war movement.

This carries on right through to the present day, as many banners of protesters against the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and campaigners against Britain renewing its Trident nuclear missiles capability show.

The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the prospect of a nuclear war. (Picture from Wiki Commons)

CND general secretary Kate Hudson said: “The iconic CND symbol is instantly recognisable to millions across the globe. The Aldermaston marches popularised this highly distinctive yet simple design.

“It took hold in the public imagination because of the sense of urgency about the growing dangers of nuclear weapons - never before had a mass movement and symbol become so quickly entwined. It was there at the beginning and it is with us now.

“Its meaning is constantly renewed as the struggle continues, over Trident replacement, against military interventions – and to prevent a looming nuclear war.”

CND General Secretary Kate Hudson. (Picture courtesy of CND)

Marchers at Aldermaston Atomic Facility. (Picture courtesy of CND)

CND has organised a tour to promote the history of the logo across Britain, and it will visit more than 20 towns and locations. It has been named the Now More Than Ever tour to reaffirm the importance of fighting for a world free of nuclear weapons.

What I like about it, is the fact it has been adopted in subsequent struggles, both against war and imperialism but also in domestic politics.

For the left, while there will also be divisions about effective actions, resistance and protest, I think this one symbol is an example of how many different fights can be linked, and how those who seek to make the world a better place can find common cause with others around the globe.

CND was the first mass movement that has also influenced anti-war and anti-imperialist struggle in Britain since. (Picture courtesy of CND)

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Postcard from paradise- a trip to zipolite

1/2/2015

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Taking a trip from Mexico City to the coast is something that many gay Chilangos enjoy doing during the holiday season.

Whether it’s because they feel alienated by traditional family commitments, avoiding being alone, or just to get away to relax, people head to the bus stations and airports to get away from the city.

And in a country with more than 9,000 kilometres of coastline who could blame them, they are spoiled for choice.

Some go to Veracruz, the old city in the Gulf, while others opt for Puerto Vallarta. But for me, arriving at an enormous bus station in the east of the city, it was to be Zipolite, in the southern region of Oaxaca.

I didn’t know what to expect really. My friends Enrique and Francisco had arranged the trip. Enrique had said: “It is a nude beach and very warm. It takes about ten hours to get there in the coach.”

Eighteen hours later we arrived, somewhat bedraggled in a small town in Oaxaca. It was a relief to leave the bus after enduring iFrankenstein, a film which in English is possibly the worst ever made, but in Spanish plumbs new depths of pointlessness.

The heat was intense, and the three of us made the rest of the short distance in a form of public transport, a pick-up van covered in a green tarpaulin, where people clambered on the back to hitch a ride.

We were joined a blonde Californian surfer type dude who seemed aloof to all around him, and eventually got off in Zipolite.

The resort is about a mile long, with golden beaches which are largely unspoiled by the mass tourism of places such as Cancun. There are no large hotel complexes with sprawling buffets and fat Americans. Instead there is the calm allure of blue seas, golden sands, and green hillsides.

Zipolite has been spared the awful tourist saturation, largely due to uncompromising seas. The powerful waves knock you down, while currents pull you out to see. It has a reputation for people losing their lives, and is certainly not the ideal spot for children to be safe.

Indeed the waters may be so strong that you don’t see any fishing boats along the shore, just the small hotels and hostels which are like beach shacks made with palm tree leaves for the roof.

Our hostel was much the same. There were a couple of handsome men working there which added to the allure, one of whom had a devilish smile.

Added to the hostels are a maze of small restaurants and hotels which can be explored on the paths around the resort. Each tending to specialise at breakfast/ brunch, lunches, and evening meals.

Given the non-family friendly nature of the beach it is therefore little surprise to learn that it has instead been colonised by gay men looking for a nice getaway.

Most were from North America, particularly Canadians. But there others too. We met a Belgian couple looking to let their hair down, likewise a couple from San Francisco.

Atop the hill a Canadian couple had recently purchased a bar which overlooked the cove and the main stretch of beach.

When asked by the local tourism board: “Are you going to be gay friendly?”

They replied: “No… we’re going to be straight friendly!”

One of the main hosts added: “It took a little while for them to catch on as to what I meant!”

On the north western edge of the beach is where the gay guys go during the day to sunbathe. Not quite as secluded as the cove, it nonetheless provides an area of shade where iguanas catch the rays of the sun. It was the perfect spot for a beer.

We spoke with a German guy who got into a heated debate about global geo-politics, and was insistent on inviting us back to his room for the night- for a meal.

Then there was my first sight of a wonderful local masseur and tourist guide called Elyel. He was interviewing people on the beach for a consumer survey, and certainly impressed with his confidence, and soft voice.

At first I thought he was a little distant, which was disappointing to me. But I was to discover the opposite later.

At sunset, the gays switch to the opposite side of the beach, where in a cove there is a small beach in which to view the fiery red sky.

There is only one path up and down the hillside to reach it, and it’s a steep climb which is tricky in daylight, but harder still in the darkness after the sunset.

It is without doubt a romantic spot, and the place where the fun is had after hours, with the bar perched on the rock overhead also a convenient venue for socialising.

In the end, on the final night, I decided to go for a skinny dip. It was not quite the liberation I had hoped to feel. I was far more preoccupied with staying on my feet as powerful waves bashed into me and strong currents then pulled me back into the swell.

It is definitely not something to attempt if you’re drunk.

Having spoken to the Belgian couple again we found ourselves at a beachside bar called Bang Bang, which I agree, lacks a little subtlety.

Enrique was chatting to two cute boys from Mexico City who worked for in television production. The conversation drifted me by, and instead I was lucky to make eye contact with Elyel, who seemed as bored as I was.

When I went for a stroll to look at the myriad starry sky, drizzled with light, he followed. So he who seemed to be distant turned out to be just like the stars I was gazing out, burning brightly and passionately.

It was nice to spend time with him, and along with many others I feel I met a new friend, and it is nice to be able to say the starlight is what will help me remember him.

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Kent campaigners keep up pressure against fracking

11/22/2014

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Environmental campaigners Julie Wassmer and Ian Driver joined a public debate on fracking at Canterbury Christ Church University in this week.

Along with scientists, industry insiders, and experts, they discussed the controversial industry, which has began to explore the extraction of gas from layers of shale rock deep underground.

The issue came to the public's attention after minor earthquakes were felt in the Fylde area of Lancashire near Blackpool, and after protests in Balcombe in West Sussex in the summer of 2013.

Green Party councillor Ian Driver and writer Julie Wassmer at the debate

In east Kent there a company called Coastal Oil and Gas had been exploring sites at former coal mining sites such as Shepherdswell, Tillmanstone and Snowden.

The company faced fierce opposition from local people, despite promises the industry could give £100,000 for each drilling site and 1% of profits. Even Campaign to Protect Rural England have come out against fracking, citing fears about pollution to local water supplies and the water table.

In short, fracking occurs after a drill has gone deep underground. A mixture of water and chemicals is used to fracture shale rock and release gas back to the surface to burn for energy.

But the chemicals used are believed to be highly toxic. If they leak from the drill site into the water table it is feared they could remain there for generations, disrupting drinking supplies, agriculture and industry.

Then there are concerns about the waste left over, and what happens to the toxic mix after the process is used. It is not clear if water utilities companies are willing to treat the water. There is also a fear about earthquakes caused by fracking.

In Kent Julie Wassmer was one of the key figures behind a campaign in east Kent. At the debate this week she said: "We formed the East Kent Against Fracking Campaign along with the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

"On our side we had Graham Warren, who had worked for the Environment Agency for many years. Once he had raised his objections about pollution to the aquifer, the fracking company withdrew their planning application.

"We are often accused of putting an emotional argument but actually we represent society in microcosm. Residents up and down the country... have joined together to fight this industry."

EU Commission advisor on fracking Michael Hill said that regulation of the industry was not sufficient. With the Environmental Agency not having the teeth to challenge the industry.

His concerns were echoed by many among the 300 people who had gathered at the debate in Canterbury. But industry expert Dr Nick Riley said the opponents were scare mongering, and that researching and developing the fracking industry will be very important to help meet UK energy demands.

But Green Party parliamentary candidate and Thanet district councillor Ian Driver said the political establishment couldn't be trusted to handle the issue sensitively.

He pointed out that Kent County Council have provided no training for officers about the planning issues involved wih fracking. He also said the organisation was exposed by the fact it had invested £173 million of its pensions pot in companies linked with the industry.

He said :"The government is wasting so much taxpayer's money on the fracking industry. But wouldn't it be better supporting non polluting and renewable sources like solar, wind and tidal power?

"I also think that we should be thinking about nationwide programme of insulating homes and businesses, so that we reduce the demand for the energy in the first place."

Thank you for reading. If you have a story, check out my contact details page above. You can also follow me on Twitter @aidanbarlow89

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Bid to restart Premier League football in June looks reckless and greedy

The battle against Boris has started= Brighton protests against new PM

The logo that has defined generations of struggle- CND at 60

Postcard from paradise- a trip to zipolite

Kent campaigners keep up pressure against fracking

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