UK Disability Rights Are ‘A Badge of Shame’
David Isaac, the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, described disability rights in the UK as ‘a badge of shame’, saying that disabled people are discriminated against in every area of life – from transport to housing and employment. He has called for a new national focus on disability rights so that disabled people are no longer treated as ‘second class citizens’. He is calling on the government to show stronger leadership by implementing all remaining provisions in the Equality Act without delay to allow better access to transport, housing and representation in politics for disabled people. He has also called on restaurants, theatres, concert venues, sports stadia and all those providing services to raise their game so that the disabled are not disadvantaged. Denying access to a large customer base is not good business practice and large venues must make it easier for disabled customers to access and buy tickets.
Home for Good
The last five years have seen a significant increase in the number of unaccompanied children leaving their homes and claiming asylum in the UK because of war, persecution or lack of safety in their country of birth. Because of the ongoing crisis in Syria and violence in the Middle East and North Africa, the UK Government has been working with a number of organisations and agencies to welcome refugee children. Home for Good is just one of them. These organisations are involved in meeting the need for foster carers who are ready to welcome an unaccompanied asylum seeking child into their home. But they need people to volunteer to become foster carers. Pray for more individuals to register their interest in fostering to local authorities and agencies across the country.
Archbishop welcomes refugee community sponsorship scheme
Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Archbishop Justin Welby launched the Full Community Sponsorship scheme at Lambeth Palace on Wednesday morning. Justin Welby has welcomed this new scheme to allow community groups to sponsor a refugee family directly. Archbishop Justin Welby said the scheme would allow churches and other civil society groups ‘to provide sanctuary to those fleeing war-torn places.’ It will enable charities, faith groups, churches and businesses to take on the role of supporting resettled refugees in the UK.
Justin said, ‘Refugees, like all people, are treasured human beings made in the image of God who deserve safety, freedom and the opportunity to flourish. It is an enormous privilege to welcome a family to live in a cottage in the grounds of Lambeth Palace.’
Changes in offices of state
Prime Minister Theresa May made six senior appointments - Foreign Office, Chancellor, Defence, Home Office and two new post-Brexit positions - Secretary of State for Brexit and Secretary of State for International Trade. BORIS JOHNSON heads the Foreign Office. He speaks five languages, including German and Russian. The latter will be helpful as he pursues positive engagement with Russia. Like Theresa May, he is pro-Israel. PHILIP HAMMOND is Chancellor of the Exchequer. Pray for him to have the great wisdom and vision that job needs at any time, but especially at this time. MICHAEL FALLON - Secretary of State for Defence. Pray for a Defence Secretary who is a man of peace and whose strength is in the Lord. He voted against ‘gay marriage’ and doctor-assisted dying. AMBER RUDD - Home Secretary voted against having a referendum at all. She voted for ‘gay marriage’ and military action in Syria. Pray for her wisdom and discernment as she holds this vital office of state. DAVID DAVIS, a veteran parliamentarian, is Secretary of State for Brexit. He is opposed to the EU and gay marriage. Pray for God to lead him as he negotiates our exit with the European Union . LIAM FOX, the new Secretary of State for International Trade, will be responding to nations across the world who want trade deals with the UK. Pray that we will do more for fair trade and that overseas aid is given wisely.
