Once the bustling heart of Christian pilgrimage, Bethlehem now faces shuttered hotels, empty streets and a shrinking Christian community, while Israel’s assault on Gaza and the tightening grip of occupation destroy hopes of peace at the birthplace of Christ, writes Father GEOFF BOTTOMS
FOR a campaign which launched three months ago, Disability Empowerment Action Links Leeds (DEAL Leeds) has made remarkable progress.
It was established in February by parents of disabled children and those with special educational needs, to oppose cuts to transport provided by Leeds City Council to take the children to schools and specialist care centres.
Since launching in February the DEAL parents have appeared on regional TV news programmes Calendar and Look North, teamed up with union Unite’s Unite Community to stage a successful demonstration, launched a petition and lobbied councillors. They’ve leafleted, picketed, won the support of two Leeds MPs and taken part in Leeds trade union council’s May Day march and rally.
Incoming Usdaw general secretary JOANNE THOMAS talks to Ben Chacko about workers’ rights, Labour and how to arrest the decline of the high street



