Right To Food campaigners urge inclusion in food strategy ahead of national Right To Food day 

Leaders of the Right To Food campaign have written to Henry Dimbleby, chair of the National Food Strategy team, ahead of its report to Government next month, urging him to include the Right To Food in their findings as they embark on the next stage of their campaign with a national Right To Food day on social media next Monday 28 June. 

Led by Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne and fan activist group Fans Supporting Foodbanks, the campaign was launched in November 2020 with the aim of changing the law to make access to food a legal right for all in the UK. It has achieved considerable support in the last six months. 

The Right To Food campaign petition to Parliament set up by Fans Supporting Foodbanks national network in December 2020 gathered more than 53,000 signatures before it closed and the campaign has received the backing of the Daily Mirror, Human Rights Watch, Marcus Rashford, Liverpool FC, Everton FC, The Big Issue, several trade unions, charities, faith leaders and many businesses and members of the public.  

More than twenty towns and cities also voted to formally support the campaign and to declare themselves a Right To Food city/town and have written to Henry Dimbleby to ask for Right To Food legislation to be recommended in the National Food Strategy report to Government. These include Liverpool, Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Liverpool Combined Authority, Rotherham, Totnes, Brighton and Hove, Haringey, St Helens, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Durham. 
In March 2021 the Right To Food campaign team made its submission to the National Food Strategy including five key ‘asks’ which they believe, if adopted by Government, will provide an achievable, tangible and legally binding route out of food poverty for millions of people in the UK. These are: universal free school meals; community kitchens; reasonable portions in benefits and wages; ensured food security and independent enforcement. You can read the full submission here: www.ianbyrne.org/right-to-food

In today’s letter to National Food Strategy chair Henry Dimbleby, Dave Kelly, National Chair of Fans Supporting Foodbanks says: “It is our view that it is simply unacceptable for millions of people to continue to go hungry in what is, after all, the fifth wealthiest country on the planet…  

“The Right To Food submission to your review by Ian Byrne MP on behalf of the campaign in March 2021 included five key ‘asks’ which we all believe will provide an achievable, tangible and legally binding route out of food poverty for millions of people. I therefore urge you once again on behalf of the Fans Supporting Foodbanks national network to adopt these in the National Food Strategy and kickstart the process of making access to food a legal right for all.” 
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In a separate letter to Henry Dimbleby today, Ian Byrne MP says: “Our submission to you in March 2021 included five key ‘asks’ which we believe, if adopted by Government, provide an achievable, tangible and legally binding route out of food poverty for millions of people in the UK… I again urge you on behalf of the Right To Food campaign to implement these asks in the National Food Strategy and to start to challenge the unfairness and injustice we see in our nation.” 
 
NUFC FANS FOODBANK are proud to be part of the Fans Supporting Foodbanks national network.

Following on from his appearance on Friday night’s 3 Amigos show we have spoken at length with Keith Patterson and are following up on his suggestion that supporters continue to apply as much political pressure on the UK Government as we possibly can; keeping the issue of the potential takeover of NUFC by the consortium made up of PCP, The Reuben Family and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the public eye.

Having established a willing buyer and a willing seller, the problem lies very much in the reluctance of the EPL and their willingness or lack there of, to see the sale go through. Letters to the Premier League seem fruitless. They have set their stall out; taking a legal route when it comes to dealings with supporters and their response to NCSL supports this.

So; what can we as supporters do? Well simply we keep the political pressure on; keep the topic in the public eye while NCSL continue their legal action against the Premier League.  Ask leading politicians and relevant Government departments why supporters are not being listened to; what are they (both the government and the Premier League) hiding and why do they feel that Newcastle United are not worthy of new ownership by a consortium with the interests of supporters, our city, our region and our football club at its heart.

It is suggested you make your enquiry short and to the point and possibly along these lines - feel free to tailor it to your own requirements - but keep it short (only 1000 characters allowed to PM).

Dear ****, 
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I write to you today as a supporter of Newcastle United. I have just one request, a response from you regarding the government position on the potential takeover of the football club from Mike Ashley. As you are aware the Public Investment fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) placed an offer as part of a consortium with Jamie Reuben, whom I believe you know, & Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners. This offer was subsequently withdrawn due to protracted obfuscated process of approval by the English Premier League who are required to approve the sale in order to protect the club against potential future financial harm. 

My question: Does HM Government have any objections "without prejudice" to the general basis that the Saudi Public investment fund can if they so wish own or invest in an English football club & should they wish to return to the table with a renewed offer no objection will be forthcoming from your Government. 
Kind regards

Useful email addresses and links are as follows:

Boris Johnson - Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury, Minister for the Civil Service, and Minister for the Union. Follow this link  https://email.number10.gov.uk

Dominic Raab Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State 
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office -  fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk

Oliver Dowden Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport - 
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport -  enquiries@culture.gov.uk

For anyone who was pre - occupied last night and who missed the Toon Matters Friday Night 3 Amigos show, you can watch it below.  It featured a 4th Amigo - Keith Patterson - the Newcastle United supporter behind the Newcastle Consortium Supporters Ltd (NCSL).  Definitely worth a watch.

As supporters we shout from the rooftops  “Newcastle, united will never be defeated” and never have the sentiment expressed in those few words been more resonant and needed than now.

With project Big Picture shining a light on the power grab being played by the Big Six, questions are now being asked about the motives behind the objections lodged with the Premier League Board against any takeover of NUFC by Amanda Staveley and her partners The Reuben Brothers and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PIF.
Project Big Picture will provide the owners of premier League Big Six with the power to veto the takeover of any club if they believe that it is against the best interests of their own clubs. Tucked down in the small print is the little gem that explains that  the approval of new club owners, will be made by “long-term shareholders” using “special voting rights”. These shareholders will be the nine clubs with the longest continuous presence in the Premier League and only six would have to back a resolution for it to be approved.

This raises many questions; not least, what was going on in the corridors of Premier League HQ at London W2 and the offices of the Big Six while Newcastle United’s takeover was being assessed as part of the league’s own Owners and Directors Test. 

Seeking answers to these and other questions is why The Newcastle United Consortium Supporters Limited - made up of fans Gordon Stein and Keith Patterson - are lobbying MPs for "full transparency" around the club's arbitration case against the Premier League, which they believe is now the key battleground in the push for answers around the aborted PIF-backed takeover.

We urge every Newcastle United fan to follow the request of the Supporters Consortium to make their presence and their voices heard. 

Lobby your MP using the template here.

“NEWCASTLE, UNITED
 WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED”

Everyone is well aware of the current restrictions that are in operation within the North East due to the increased levels of positive Covid 19 and how self-isolation is having a serious impact on members of our community. 

One such group being impacted are those in our student community; living away from their normal family support. It is therefore no surprise that we have been made aware of an urgent request for help to deliver food parcels to students who are currently self-isolating.

300 students living in private accommodation across the city are self-isolating. Our two Universities have food parcels to give to them but have no way to deliver.

Volunteers with vehicles are needed to support the deliveries of food parcels on Saturday 3rd October Full expenses and fuel costs will be paid and the food parcels will be able to fit into a normal car. Guidance on how to conduct the deliveries in a safe and Covid secure manner will be given.

If you can give up some time to help then please contact Joe Kirwin; Community Wellbeing Officer, Adult Social Care & Integrated Services Newcastle Civic centre on 07812 517266

Dear NUFC Fans Utd

Re: Newcastle United Football Club Takeover

Thanks for getting in touch with such a well thought out letter. It's good to see fans coming together and making your voice heard. Newcastle's fans have a superb track record of standing up to racism in the game, and the generosity in supporting our food banks shows our region's character.

The proposed takeover of Newcastle United raises a lot of issues. There's a frustration with the way the Premier League has handled the bid. There are concerns about investment in our region. And, of course, there are hopes about investment in the club so we can see on-the-pitch success return to St James' Park.

Let's be really honest here, the reason feelings are running so deep about this takeover is because the current owner is so profoundly unpopular. Fans desperately need some good news.

NUFC has a great history, and a passionate fan base. Success on the pitch raises the spirits of our city. We need an owner who has ambition for the club, and who takes fans seriously.

But if this recent saga has confirmed anything, it's that the ownership of football clubs is precarious.

I remember Chronicle articles from back in June 2007 where fans were saying Mike Ashley's takeover was good news, because we'd now have the financial muscle to compete for the top four. He was buying rounds for Toon fans in the Blu Bamboo in the Bigg Market. There was optimism about his ownership. We all know the catalogue
of what's happened since, including the decision to rename St James' Park "The Sports Direct Arena".

That's why I think it's important to be honest with you - we should not tie our region's prosperity to something as volatile as the ownership of the football club, or it’s on the pitch success. We've been heartbroken too many times. My job is to provide the most sustainable future we can.

That's why as Mayor I've invested £2.6 million into the Newcastle United Foundation's Murray House project, supported by Shola Ameobi. This facility will provide a community hub, support local kids into work, and fund engagement and outreach work across the whole North of Tyne.

We've put £37 million into a Green New Deal, to get the offshore renewables industries along the Tyne and Blyth buzzing. That includes £2 million to retrain workers from fossil fuel industries into low-carbon jobs - it's important no one gets left behind. And £10 million to develop local low carbon businesses.
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We're investing £23 million a year into skills funding, so our people can get better jobs. We're putting £10 million into attracting businesses here, including the 1000 jobs Verisure have already announced. There are many more in the pipeline.

Another £10 million is going into boost our fast-growing digital industry to create more jobs. We're putting £24 million into developing housing on brownfield sites, creating more affordable homes, keeping the greenbelt green, and creating jobs.

We've allocated £6 million to develop a cultural and events programme, including £3.5 million to boost tourism. This will be adapted to work in a post-Covid environment.

Everything we're doing is underpinned by our Good Work Pledge, which guarantees proper wages and fair employment. All told this will boost our local economy by £billions and create many thousands of good jobs here.
This is just the start. We're facing tough times because of the Covid-recession. I'm spending pretty much every minute of the day trying to wring extra funds and devolved powers from central government, including £600 million for transport, to address the decades long under investment in the North East.

Regarding the protracted delays by the Premier League on the consortium takeover, I'm afraid I only know what is already in the public domain. My understanding is that initially there were concerns about TV piracy, and later a lack of clarity about who would be the beneficial owners. What the truth of these matters is, I'm afraid I don't know any more than you do. The lack of information coming from the club and the Premier League is disrespectful of fans.
I've supported Chi Onwurah to carry the baton on this issue in her role as the MP who covers St James' Park. She's raised petitions, asked questions and lobbied the
             
Premier League. Just like a good football team, there's no point in everybody chasing the ball. I'm fully supportive of Chi, and think she's doing a cracking job on it. I've liaised with Chi on this, and I've signed the petition. I'm in touch with Chi again, to see if I can help further.

Just to clear up a point. You refer to a letter from a member of the North of Tyne cabinet, which in fact came from Pat Ritchie, who is not a member of NTCA cabinet, but is the Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council.
You are absolutely right to say that investment opportunities exist independently of the club ownership. The East Pilgrim Street development has been in the public domain long before the proposed NUFC takeover. The land is already owned by the Reuben brothers. As for the architecture question about planning permission, given that this is a live investment proposition, I have to remain impartial. This is to prevent any subsequent legal challenges around predetermination.

Certainly, some planning permission has already been granted. I'd advise using Newcastle City Council's planning portal for the latest updates, and to submit any comments on applications.

Regardless of our wider economy, Newcastle United's on-the-pitch success is important for its own sake. Football is a cornerstone of our culture. Newcastle United is a great club with a proud history.

The Premier League and club owners must remember who, ultimately, funds the game. It's not club owners - it's the fans who buy season tickets, buy merchandise and pay for TV subscriptions. I think fans deserve a bigger say in how football should be run. If you're running any campaigns to give fans a bigger voice in the game, I'll be happy to add my voice and support you.
All the best

Jamie Driscoll
Mayor, North of Tyne Combined Authority

There is nothing more glorious to our ears than a proper Northumbrian accent. The rolling guttural North Northumberland, the unique Ashington twang, the swooping machine gun rhythm of urban Tyneside; all of them make your heart soar - as you listen to the wisdom of Albert from Wooler on Total Sport after a 2-0 win.

Our accent has been our identity for centuries. George MacDonald Fraser, a Cumbrian Scot avers that Shakespeare wrote his Harry Hotspur lines with his famous Northumbrian accent in mind. He quotes (in his book “The Steel Bonnets”, the history of the border reivers) one of the Tyneside Marcher-Lords saying “I never sold none” (concerning some disputed missing horses) and points out that southerners would confuse a Northumbrian with a Scot out of ignorance and prejudice, not because we have the same accent. A 19th Century Parliamentary Committee claimed not to understand George Stephenson, the man from Tyneside who transformed the world with his instinctive engineering genius. The developments necessary to make life better, food cheaper and manufacturing more efficient were delayed by their stupid snobbery. The posh Sir Humphrey Davy could not believe that George Stephenson’s pitman’s lamp was better than his. How could an ignorant northerner be cleverer than him? He was though. In the 1970’s a Benfield School kid was rejected by an Oxbridge College as they claimed “we thought he said he was getting 3 E’s”; instead of the “A’s” that he said, and subsequently got, but didn’t go there. This cultural aggression is from the same dark place that saw kilts banned, Gaelic banned, natives “civilised” and imperial gin and tonic snobbery reign to this day.

Another Benfield School kid who left in the 1970’s didn’t get the chance to be rejected by an Oxbridge College; he played football. Despite his own doubts about his ability and physique; despite his homesickness and the 300 mile distance; he knew it was the shipyards or football. He chose football, even if it was Gillingham, even if he missed his mam and dad, missed the familiar voices and home, he started his career as a little quiet kid a long way from home. George Caulkin has a fine article in “The Athletic” about this. Steve Bruce’s career took him from Gillingham to Norwich to Manchester then, as a manager, to Sheffield, Birmingham, London, Sunderland, Wigan, Hull and Sheffield again. Those places all have a distinct accent. He is perhaps, Benfield Schools highest achieving footballer in terms of medals, cups and titles. His Man Utd. shirt is on their wall as another one who got away. Then he got the chance to come home to Newcastle. He admits he dropped Sheffield Wednesday in the clarts for that chance. Despite following Rafa, despite working for Ashley, despite the warnings from people who knew what he was walking into, he came home. The call of his homeland was more important than the morality of keeping a contract of employment in Yorkshire. I agree with that. It’s called loyalty. 
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Many of us had to move away from home for work, education or family. That separation affects us all in different ways. Your Gran would send the Sunday Sun down, you’d treasure a familiar accent when you heard one. But you couldn’t shake the feeling that either your city wasn’t good enough to keep you, or you weren’t good enough to stay. It’s the same feeling that can overpower any emigrant, especially in the pre-internet, social media days. Then you’d never see Newcastle on the telly unless “The Likely Lads” was being repeated. Emigration can make you more “whey ye bugger exhibitionist” or smooth off your accent so you can communicate with their new workmates, friends, partners or even your own children. Accents are not inherited, your kids will learn theirs in the playground, wherever that is, and some parents (like the Donald brothers from Viz) will force their kids into “elocution” to unlearn their native tongue. A mother tells her daughter off for saying “ah man stobbitt” (stop it), not because she is any way ashamed of any facet of her city and people but because she “didn’t want people to think she was ignorant in the future” Because she knows ignorant people judge you on your accent. Still, to this very day…

I don’t know Steve Bruce at all. I’ve never met him or been in his company. The people who have that I’ve met all say what a “nice feller” or lovely lad” he is; he doesn’t seem to have the savage temper or alpha-male intimidation or inscrutable scowl that other managers have had here (most of them useless). But I’ve no doubt Steve Bruce had to moderate his accent over the years to be understood. His job entails communication; as a centre-half you spend your time shouting and organising; as a manager it’s the same. You don’t have time to be doing the “yer what?” as someone doesn’t clear the ball, or track back, or fetch a cup of tea.

So I get that people may not rate him professionally. They have that right, although I’d say that luck, decency and hard work will always deliver something positive – and he seems to have all of those last season. I get that they look at his record at smaller clubs than Newcastle United and don’t see a plethora of success, although we’ve had title-winning managers who failed, local heroes who failed, ex and future England managers who failed (not Bobby like!) and far worse men, who’ve had more credit given. I understand the Rafa context; we all do. But I met Rafa; he described his team as “we”, but he didn’t mean Newcastle United his then employer. He meant “his team of coaches and assistants” that had been together for decades. Rafa’s football team is maybe Real Madrid. Steve Bruce’s team is Newcastle United. The team he supported as a boy, the team he was a ballboy for at the League Cup Final in 1976. His team, his people; us.

Of course he doesn’t have the same profile, fame, and experience as Rafa. The insults we all learned when he was Sunderland manager are easy to remember. I get that he has a broken nose and carries a bit of weight. George says he always worried about his physicality. He doesn’t have the same ability to march us into battle like Keegan; he doesn’t inspire like Bobby, he doesn’t project implacable obsession like Rafa, but…. maybe we should support him a bit though? We didn’t have the choice of who our “Head Coach” would be; Rafa chose us, his contract was not renewed, and someone had to do it. Am I saying it should be Klopp, or Pep Guardiola? Of course, but they wouldn’t come. Again, read George Caulkin’s brilliant article, “Riding the black and white tiger” for a professional insight into what managing Newcastle United is and remember Richard Dinnis, John Carver, Joe Kinnear, and Steve “Schteeve” MacLaren ,(maybe some justifiable accent mockery there..). Might we try to support one of our own whilst acknowledging he’s not everyone’s favourite…like Jack Charlton, another local favourite who didn’t fit everyone’s vision of good football. No one complained about Jack’s accent though…

Attacking his accent though, it’s one for the psychiatrists maybe….Is it his Geordie accent they don’t like? Don’t people understand that it’s changed cos he’s worked away for 40 odd years? Do they conflate his accent with his intellect? Do they think he’s tried to polish his elocution up to appeal to “polite society”? Are they seriously telling us that they believe his own “working-class East-End Newcastle shipyard origins that’s picked up various bits over the years” in many different parts of England is wrong? Would they prefer he get lessons from Albert in Wooler instead of looking for a centre-half? Are they falling into the age-old trap that believes some expert from the south must be clever because he talks cockney/posh? Is this a manifestation of self-hatred? From angry men who have been complaining for decades whilst nothing has changed. From people who “want success” but don’t invest positivity in their own community’s football team - Newcastle United. Who claim that not going to the match, (or going to non-league with pitchside pints), makes them “better supporters” than the people who dutifully continue to turn up at Gallowgate with no expectation except hope that things can change. The truth is that Newcastle United have seen this summer that the entire Premier League, the government, the media and all other football clubs and their fans are our enemies. We have enemies aplenty. We keep saying we need to unite; to stick together in adversity….then we clobber our own managers accent? Seriously?

Seriously, give over man. If you must, criticise the mans words and deeds, go after his record, his methods and his personnel, but leave his accent and appearance alone. Both are authentic and show the man’s scars; his origins, history, work and loyalty to Newcastle. We should respect that at least. And we should stop criticising working men’s accents. It’s not fair.

​Dear Mr Driscoll,

You will appreciate that many of us voted you into your current post of Regional Mayor of the North of Tyne Combined Authority and looked forward to seeing the Authority under your leadership succeed in a role that could coordinate a positive promotion of the region in the UK, Europe and the world. 

Your campaign emphasised change and improvement in ethical, environmental, and economic policies that would bring fairness and prosperity. 

It is our view that due to your work in attempting to bring investment and jobs to the region you should be integral in supporting the inward investment plans of the consortium that has been put together recently to purchase Newcastle United Football Club and it is our understanding that one group within the consortium The Reuben Brothers plan (according to Private Eye) a £200m plus development in the Pilgrim Street and surrounding South-Central area of Newcastle city centre. 

This Development could prove to be the first of many investments in the area as the consortium that make up the potential new owners would look to develop relationships with the “movers and shakers” in the region; attracting further development and showcasing the north east as an ambitious region with so much more to offer.

The same article in Private Eye avers that the Northumberland and Newcastle Society have opposed the Pilgrim Street development; feeling that it isn’t in keeping with the Georgian splendour of Newcastle’s architecture... surely you could help here? 

As the Reubens are well known supporters of the Tory Party and Boris Johnson, you could provide some political balance...? As a Mayor with a demonstrably successful record in attracting hundreds of jobs you and your Authority should be at the table providing a regional perspective on the opportunities inherent in inward investment.

Obviously these opportunities exist whether or not Newcastle United are part of the Consortium's plan, but if that is what it takes to bring yet more jobs, firms, fairness and prosperity to this region it seems obvious that you and your fellow cabinet members would advocate for successful and engaged owners of a premier league football club on the doorstep.

To date we are aware that only one member of the North of Tyne Combined Authority Cabinet, in their capacity as Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council publicly voiced support for the takeover of Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PIF, and the intended investment opportunities that they and their fellow consortium members were offering the region as part of their plans. 

With a petition signed by over 110,000 people backing the proposed takeover by the PIF/PCP/Reubens consortium there is a perception building that some in the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Cabinet are not interested in three pillars that support the North East economy; long term development, job creation and retention and a successful Premier League football club on Tyneside!

We look forward to an open and positive response from yourself and your fellow Cabinet Members showing a united and positive front from the Authority that we can share with our 22,000+ twitter followers, the regular 6,000+ audience whom we interact with weekly on YouTube, our local press and media and the dozens of other Newcastle United Supporters Groups and influencers who continue to enthusiastically await a successful takeover of the football club and support the Saudi Sovereign Wealth fund and their highly ambitious consortium partners in bringing dreams of long term on field and off field success to Tyneside and the wider region.


Yours in anticipation

NUFC FANS UTD 

www.nufcfansutd.com

​The 2020/21 season kicks off on 12 September but supporters will be forced to wait a little bit longer before they can return to stadiums and when they do, it will be at a reduced capacity.

With both the Government and the Premier League pencilling in the weekend of 3rd October as the earliest date for fans to be admitted to stadia in England the key concerns for clubs and supporters now turns to social distancing, the guidelines that need to be introduced and how they can ensure fans follow the guidelines before, during and after games.

Newcastle United is now planning for the proposed re-introduction albeit in limited numbers and are planning to meet with supporter group representatives and members of the Fans Forum to share and discuss their proposals and seek consensus.

The views of supporters are integral to the ongoing and very relevant planning that is taking place to ensure that safety is being addressed, that available seating allocated in a fair and equitable manner and that plans and proposals are adaptable to the ever changing situation that this pandemic presents.

We will have a presence in the video-conference that takes place on Tuesday 8th September where we will take forward any supporters thoughts and concerns. Please email them to nufcfansutd AT gmail.com or use our twitter account @NUFCFansUtd either on our timeline or by DM.

Check out the Lads talking about it below.