Air pollution ‘harmful for those with failing hearts’

This article covers the rising air pollution in Britain, affecting people with heart diseases up to a point where it could be lethal. Experts estimate the death toll includes thousands of Britons each year. The British Heart Foundation, which funded The lancet work, says that most cities in the UK often exceed the safety levels set by the European Union. The government admitted to this by saying that in over 15 regions air quality will breach the EU limits until 2020. Dr Anoop Shah of The Lancet says moderate reductions in air pollution could avoid up to 8000 hospital admissions for heart failure each year.

I believe articles like this tell us an important message; We need to stop polluting the earth and switch to alternative cleaner, and more sustainable, fuel for our world. Not only because this will solve our future power problems, but also because this will ensure our survival as a whole. Britain has always been known for having polluted cities, it is where the word ‘smog’ originates from. I feel sorry for the people suffering from heart diseases and polluted air, sometimes has to be done about this level of air pollution.

Bibliography

Roberts, Michelle. Air pollution 'harmful for those with failing hearts'. July 9, 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23231194 (accessed July 10, 2013).

Feltham Young Offender institution ‘unacceptably violent’

This article covers the unnecessary high amounts of violence being used in the Feltham Prison and the Young Offender Institution. The institution, in west London, witnessed an average of almost two fights or assaults every day.  Chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick said: “Feltham as a whole is an unacceptably violent place.” In defence of the staff he added “Staff were sometimes overwhelmed by challenges they faced. As a consequence, some of their responses, such as the prolonged use of isolation and batons, were unacceptable.” National Offender Management Service chief Michael Spurr said he would make the institution safer by moving those on remand.

I think it is a shame such violence has to be used. The children in the Young Offender Institution range from 16 to 21 and are often kept in isolation for prolonged periods of time. I deem the excessive use of batons a complicated problem. On one hand you cannot just take away the guards batons, you would completely take away their means of self defence, thereby removing their safety. On the other hand it should not be necessary to have at least two fights or assaults every day. I think the removal of some inmates will calm things down.

Bibliography

BBC. BBC. July 10, 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23248433 (accessed July 10, 2013).

Jillings report: 'Extensive' abuse at children's homes

This article is about a recently published report on abuse at children’s homes in north Wales during the 1970s through to the 1990s. The 300 page report was initially written in 1996 and covered the areas now represented by Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham councils. It had followed an investigation into abuse claims in 1991. This lead to the initial arrest of seven former care workers. However soon more claims of abuse were issued and an additional 40 homes emerged. The article was never published up to now. Mr Jillings, former director of social services, said the council was worried about the costly insurance claims.

I think it’s sickening that reports like this are being kept from publishing  solely for financial motives. It once again makes me believe the government generally doesn’t value people over money. I am however glad that in the end Mr. Jillings decided to publish the report anyway.  The bitter truth is always better than the sweetest lie. It is a shame however that nothing can be done about the children that have gone through the pain and suffering. I hope future reports will be used to raise awareness or start campaigns against child abuse.

Bibliography

BBC. (2013, July 8). BBC. Retrieved July 8, 2013, from BBC News UK: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-23199905