Insensitive frontpage Press design attracts contempt

The local Press newspaper is generally an asset to the City.We are fortunate, in a world of instant social media access to news, that we have retained a daily newspaper which can provide some local context and editorial depth.

But yesterday they got it baldy wrong when they ran a story about the apparent imminent arrival of 6o refugees into the City.

In reality we can expect a trickle of refugees starting sometime in 2016 – a fact that had been know for several days.

Most will be fleeing terrorism. Their profile is likely to reflect many religions and age groups, although the Government are known to be prioritising the resettlement of orphans.

Comments attributed to the Councils Deputy Leader were made two weeks ago as the Council was forced to provide an update on a process which started in September.

However, even worse than the timing of the Press story, was the way it was presented on the paper’s front page.

With much of the western world still in a state of shock over the Paris killings, a sensitive editor would have avoided either militaristic images or comments likely to stir up anti migrant sentiments.

Putting the two together was crass.

It maybe that the move of editorial control of the paper to Bradford is to blame?

Whatever the reason, the newspaper did a disservice yesterday to the existing and potential residents of our City

York Labour hypocrisy over anonymous tweets

It is almost beyond belief that Labour Councillors are trying to get the respected head of a local mental health charity sacked because they disagree with his political views.

They have accused him of using a pseudonym to make critical comments about Labour polices and personalities.

It is a glimpse of a totalitarian state mentality to which many of the current York Council Leadership subscribe

“Agree with my views or we will target you” seems to be their mantra.

No wonder that so many former Labour Councillors have chosen to jump ship to escape from this suffocating authoritarianism.

It would not be so bad if Labour Councillors themselves did not use false names to promote their views – and belittle their political opponents – on the local Press web site.

Residents would be amazed to find out just who is responsible for such vindictive, and often untrue, vitriol.

The Press can address this issue by insisting that – just as it does on its letters page – people use their real names when posting on line.

It might mean that some public servants are discouraged from criticising Labour politicians but there are other independent channels – including this web site – where whistle blowing is an option for the faint hearted.

In the meantime Labour should withdraw their attack dogs from their voluntary sector targets and reflect that it is their commitment to secret decision making that has led to the frustration felt by many York residents.

York commentary archive site

Insensitive frontpage Press design attracts contempt

York Labour hypocrisy over anonymous tweets

It is almost beyond belief that Labour Councillors are trying to get the respected head of a local mental health charity sacked because they disagree with his political views.

It is no wonder though that many residents choose not to reveal their true identities and views to the City’s Stalinist rulers.

We understand that David Smith, the man at the centre of the anonymous tweets controversy, has now resigned from his post as head of a York mental health charity.

The Press and the Labour Leadership need to take a long hard look at themselves and how they have handled this issue.

It is almost beyond belief that Labour Councillors are trying to get the respected head of a local mental health charity sacked because they disagree with his political views.

It is no wonder though that many residents choose not to reveal their true identities and views to the City’s Stalinist rulers.