Christian students condemn Government's plan for tuition fees
The Student Christian Movement (SCM) have reacted with anger to plans to lift the cap on university tuition fees in England. SCM, which is Britain’s oldest national student organisation, described its opposition to tuition fees as ‘an issue of justice’. SCM said a fee increase would deter students from lower-income backgrounds. They also contrasted ministers’ reluctance to fund higher education with government plans to spend billions renewing the Trident nuclear weapons system. The Movement’s comments follow the Browne Review into higher education funding, which recommended on 12 October that universities should be able to charge unlimited fees. Business Secretary Vince Cable said the government accepts the ‘main thrust’ of the proposals. The Coalition agreement allows Liberal Democrats to abstain in votes on university funding, but some have already said that they will vote against, raising the prospect of a defeat for the Government. The party's Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes, declined to confirm that he will abstain. Pray: that the conflict of finance versus educational opportunity is resolved amicably. (Mt. 18:1-14)
Christians in Parliament bulletin
This office received notice from Christians in Parliament asking the Church us to join with them in interceding for the Comprehensive Spending Review to be announced by the Government on 20th October. As the central Coalition measure to reduce the national budget deficit, this will have huge implications for the social, economical and cultural future of the UK. Christians in Parliament and Christians in Government invite us to fast and/or pray for politics and Government at this critical time. Please pray for God's wisdom in decisions relating to the priorities for cuts in the Government departments. As Westminster deals with the impact and nature of the cuts, please pray for wisdom for God's people and for justice and mercy to prevail. As Whitehall is affected, please pray for all those Christians who serve in Government. Pray: that, as the state is reduced, Government support for the vulnerable in society might be protected and that the work of the Church will be extended to meet this need. (Isa.25:4) More: http://www.christiansinparliament.org.uk/home/tabid/91/Default.aspx
The Dutch and legalisation of drugs
The Netherlands is learning that establishing red light districts and cannabis-selling coffee shops may not have been a great idea after all. For Paul Schnabel, director of the Social and Cultural Planning Office, a government advisory board, the move reflects a growing view that the tolerance policies have not controlled the ills associated with drugs and prostitution, rather a recasting of Dutch liberalism. The circumstances that led to the tolerance policies have changed in the past decade, as large-scale crime around coffee shops and the legal sex trade became more visible. In particular, the absence of legal means for coffee shops to obtain cannabis has highlighted their association with organized crime. The open-minded instincts that helped foster the policies are also being questioned. And it is not just the far-right opposing these coffee shops. The traditional parties of power on the centre-right, the Christian Democrats and the Liberal VVD, have also moved against the policies they once promoted. Pray: that Netherlands’ politicians arrive at sensible decisions regarding drugs. (Jer. 44:8)
The Dutch and legalisation of drugs
The Netherlands is learning that establishing red light districts and cannabis-selling coffee shops may not have been a great idea after all. For Paul Schnabel, director of the Social and Cultural Planning Office, a government advisory board, the move reflects a growing view that the tolerance policies have not controlled the ills associated with drugs and prostitution, rather a recasting of Dutch liberalism. The circumstances that led to the tolerance policies have changed in the past decade, as large-scale crime around coffee shops and the legal sex trade became more visible. In particular, the absence of legal means for coffee shops to obtain cannabis has highlighted their association with organized crime. The open-minded instincts that helped foster the policies are also being questioned. And it is not just the far-right opposing these coffee shops. The traditional parties of power on the centre-right, the Christian Democrats and the Liberal VVD, have also moved against the policies they once promoted. Pray: that Netherlands’ politicians arrive at sensible decisions regarding drugs. (Jer. 44:8)
