Here are some UK reporters and how you can contact them:

BBC Reporters Clive Myrie: clive.myrie@bbc.co.uk Sophie Raworth: sophie.raworth@bbc.co.uk Reeta Chakrabarti: reeta.chakrabarti@bbc.co.uk News UK Reporters Faye Mayern: faayefayee@swns.com Ashlea Hickin: ashleahickin@news.co.uk Niamh Dann: dannniamh@cambridgelandlive.co.uk The Times Reporters Rachel Mortimer: r_a_mortimer@thetimes.co.uk Seren Hughes: serenhughes@thetimes.co.uk Nancy Durrant: nancy.durrant@thetimes.co.uk The Guardian Reporters You can contact Frances Ryan, the Guardian's disability columnist, at frances.ryan.freelance@guardian.co.uk Arts Desk: arts@theguardian.com Business Desk: financial@theguardian.com Environment Desk: alan.evans@theguardian.com or bibi.vanderzee@theguardian.com

Forming a political party in the UK involves several steps:

Register the Party: You need to register your party with the Electoral Commission. This includes providing details like the party name, descriptions, and emblems. Comply with Legal Requirements: Your party must adhere to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA), which includes rules on donations, loans, campaign spending, and annual accounts. Submit an Application: You can submit your application via the PEF Online system or download paper forms from the Electoral Commission's website. Financial Reporting: Ensure your party has suitable arrangements to comply with financial reporting obligations. For more detailed guidance, you can check out the Electoral Commission's website.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of sick and disabled individuals in Britain

Here are some key benefits: 1. **Protection Against Discrimination**: The ECHR ensures that disabled individuals are protected from discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, education, and access to services. 2. **Right to Dignity and Respect**: The ECHR emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, which is particularly important for disabled individuals who may face additional challenges in their daily lives. 3. **Legal Recourse**: The ECHR empowers individuals to challenge abuses of their rights in court. This means that if a disabled person's rights are violated, they have a legal avenue to seek justice and remedy. 4. **Advancing Human Rights**: The ECHR has been instrumental in advancing human rights in the UK, including cases that have led to significant changes in policies and practices affecting disabled individuals. These protections are essential for ensuring that disabled individuals can live their lives with the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

A Tribute to the Pioneers: Disability Campaigners in the UK

In the heart of the UK, champions rise with unyielding spirit and vision. They are the disability campaigners—the trailblazers whose determination and advocacy have transformed lives and communities. Their relentless pursuit of equality, accessibility, and inclusion illuminates a path toward a more just society. From breaking down physical barriers to challenging societal prejudices, their tireless efforts resonate with every step forward. They empower individuals, amplify voices, and create ripples of change that extend far beyond borders. To the campaigners, activists, and allies: your courage inspires. Your dedication brings hope. Your work is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the power of collective action.

Requesting that MPs vote against the assisted dying bill to protect the most vulnerable in our society

In the halls of Parliament, a decision to be made, A bill on assisted dying, where the stakes are high and grave. But think of the vulnerable, the voices left unheard, The ones who fear coercion, their cries lost in the word. Let's stand for the voiceless, the ones who can't defend, Against a law that might push them to an untimely end. For dignity in living, not just in the final breath, Let's vote against this bill, and protect life 'til death. The elderly and disabled, those who suffer pain, Deserve our care and comfort, not a law that might constrain. What if the pressure's subtle, a whisper in the night, To choose a path they wouldn't, if they had the strength to fight? Let's stand for the voiceless, the ones who can't defend, Against a law that might push them to an untimely end. For dignity in living, not just in the final breath, Let's vote against this bill, and protect life 'til death. We must ensure compassion, in every choice we make, To guard the weak and weary, for every life’s at stake. So let’s provide the support, the care that they deserve, And vote against this bill, for the lives we must preserve. Let's stand for the voiceless, the ones who can't defend, Against a law that might push them to an untimely end. For dignity in living, not just in the final breath, Let's vote against this bill, and protect life 'til death. For every life is precious, in every single way, Let's choose to stand together, and keep the fears at bay. Vote against this bill, let’s make our voices heard, For the sake of all the vulnerable, let’s protect them with our word.

The 'slippery slope' argument against assisted dying

The "slippery slope" argument against assisted dying posits that legalizing assisted dying could lead to unintended and potentially harmful consequences. Here are some key points to consider: Broadening Eligibility: Initially, assisted dying might be limited to those with terminal illnesses. Over time, however, criteria could expand to include individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions. This broadening could lead to vulnerable populations feeling pressured to choose assisted dying. Erosion of Trust: The trust between patients and healthcare providers could be eroded. Patients might fear that doctors will recommend assisted dying as a viable option when other treatments are available. This could undermine the fundamental role of healthcare providers to heal and care. Societal Pressure: Legalizing assisted dying might create societal pressure on the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill individuals to end their lives to avoid being a burden on their families or the healthcare system. This pressure could distort the voluntary nature of the decision. Moral and Ethical Concerns: The ethical landscape of medicine is built on the principle of "do no harm." Introducing assisted dying challenges this principle and could lead to ethical dilemmas where the value of life becomes subjective, based on quality of life judgments. Safeguard Erosion: While initial laws might have strict safeguards, there is a risk that these could be eroded over time, making it easier for misuse or abuse to occur. This erosion could lead to cases where individuals are assisted in dying without thorough consideration of all other options and supports. These points illustrate how the slippery slope argument reflects concerns about the long-term societal, ethical, and medical implications of legalizing assisted dying.

Frozen Festivities: The Unchanging £10 Christmas Bonus for UK Benefit Claimants

The issue of the £10 Christmas Bonus for people on benefits in the UK, which has remained unchanged for nearly 50 years, highlights a significant problem in the way society and government view and treat those who are economically disadvantaged. This essay will explore why the stagnant value of this bonus can be seen as a sign of contempt for poor people. Historical Context and Current Value The £10 Christmas Bonus was introduced in 1972 as a gesture to help those on benefits during the festive season. At the time, £10 had considerable purchasing power. However, due to inflation and the rising cost of living, the value of £10 has significantly diminished over the past five decades. Today, it is worth only about 76 pence in real terms. This stark devaluation underscores the failure to adjust the bonus in line with economic changes, reflecting a lack of consideration for the financial struggles faced by those on benefits. Symbolic Gesture vs. Practical Support While the original intent of the Christmas Bonus was to provide additional support during a financially demanding time of year, its current value renders it almost meaningless. The failure to increase the bonus over the years suggests that it has become more of a symbolic gesture rather than a practical form of assistance. This can be interpreted as a lack of genuine concern for the well-being of poor people, as the government has not taken steps to ensure that the bonus remains a useful and supportive measure.