All-day drinking laws to be reviewed
All-day drinking laws are set to be reviewed by the new coalition government in an attempt to crack down on binge drinking, it has been revealed. The Liberal Democrat-Conservative manifesto has revealed that the controversial law, which has often been blamed for an increase in violence, will either be tightened or scrapped altogether. Speaking at the Police Federation conference earlier this week, Home Secretary Theresa May said that the problems that had stemmed from the introduction of the law needed to be addressed. A report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) criticised the current lack of action being taken to tackle the binge drinking culture which is apparent in the UK. According to the advice offered by the ACMD, the drink driving limit for young people should be lowered and more information provided about the levels of their drinking. (See also Prayer Alert 3609 &1909) Pray: that the Government would seriously reconsider the legislation on 24-hour drinking. (Pr.20:1) More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=8077&this=All-day_drinking_laws_to_be_reviewed
11-year-olds set to debate rape, prostitution and porn
School children as young as eleven could be given lessons about rape, prostitution and pornography, but critics have warned that the lessons are ‘too explicit’ for youngsters. Charity Rape Crisis has released educational packs for secondary schools, which can be bought for £100, as part of a campaign to end violence against women. They will prompt pupils to debate issues surrounding rape, and will also encourage them to act out a role play, which includes obscene language, where a boy and girl recall a drunken encounter. But Nick Seaton, from the Campaign for Real Education, has criticised the scheme, saying: ‘It is irresponsible and certainly not suitable for young children and probably not for older children either. ‘Just because these things happen does not mean that children need to have them rammed in their faces. Sensible parents will be extremely perturbed that their children are being introduced to this sort of information at a young age.’ Pray: for a considered, sensitive and appropriate programme of sex and social education. (Ps.34:11) More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/11-year-olds-set-to-debate-rape-prostitution-and-porn/
Rebuilding Britain: six pillars to strengthen our society
Our culture has its foundations in historic Christian values. We must respect them as we negotiate our future, says the Rt Rev James Jones. Rebuilding Britain rests on the six pillars of family, freedom, friendship, faith, fairness and the future of the earth. These are the columns that need strengthening if the edifice of our society is to withstand the winds of change. They have their foundations in the historic Christian values of our society. We are in danger of cutting ourselves adrift. And, as Lord Hailsham once warned, ‘cut flowers never produce seed or fruit’. The Rt Rev Jones, writing in the Telegraph says ‘The failure of public policy on the family is that it has focused mainly on child poverty, when the biggest problem facing children is not economic hardship but emotional deprivation.’ He goes on to outline his ‘Six Pillars’ based on Christian values. Pray: for our nation and its new government that we will, by God’s Grace, seek a future taking heed of Rt Rev Jones suggestions. (Ps.37:37) More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/7744426/Rebuilding-Britain-six-pillars-to-strengthen-our-society.html
Britain in the grip of ‘epidemic of loneliness’
Technology and the pressures of modern life are today blamed for creating an epidemic of loneliness, as increasing numbers of people rely on the Internet to communicate with friends and family. A major report by the Mental Health Foundation suggests that more than one in ten people in Britain feel lonely ‘often’, as increasing numbers choose to live alone, work long hours and see each other less and less. The findings, from a survey of more than 2,200 adults from across Britain, suggest loneliness affects people of all ages but that women are more likely than men to report feelings of isolation. ‘Once loneliness becomes chronic, it is difficult to treat,’ the report adds. ‘People who are chronically lonely can get stuck in a loop of negative behaviour, and might push others away or seek transient contact, such as multiple sexual partners, which can make them even more isolated.’ Pray: for all those who are lonely that God would bring friendship into their lives. Pray also that the Church will find ways of reaching these people. (Ps.68:6a) More: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article7135506.ece
