News Round-Up 14/01/11

Tunisian Unrest

Last week, several members of Pirate Party Tunisia were arrested by the Tunisian Government as unrest engulfed the country. Pirate Parties around the world issued a statement condemning the action. You can read the statement here: http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/press/releases/2011/jan/7/pirate-parties-condemn-tunisias-unjust-arrest-pira/

It later emerged that a Tunisian Pirate Party member had been beaten by police. Pirate Parties again issued a statement, calling for human rights to be respected. You can read the release here: http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/press/releases/2011/jan/11/detained-tunisian-pirate-party-member-beaten-polic/

It is believed that all detained Pirates have now been released.

The wider situation in Tunisia has been rapidly evolving. As of writing it is understood that President Ben Ali has fled the country to France, and that Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi has declared temporary control of the country. For the latest information see Al Jazeera English, BBC News, or the relevant search terms on twitter.

Oldham East & Saddleworth

Party Leader Loz Kaye stood as a candidate in the Parliamentary By-Election for the constituency of Oldham East & Saddleworth. The Party took 96 votes (0.27%) in the polls.

Candidates For Scottish and Local Elections

The Party is still looking for candidates for the upcoming elections in May. Members wishing to apply should apply on the forum, contact their Local RAO or contact the Nominating Officer at j.barron@pirateparty.org.uk

Pirate Conference

Tickets are still available for the first party conference, to be held in Glasgow on February 26th. Individual tickets cost £18.50, and can be paid in advance via paypal, or on the door. If you plan to pay on the door, please still register your attendance with eventbrite - you do not have to pay now.

You can buy your tickets here: http://pirateconference.eventbrite.com/

Policy Proposals

The Party is still accepting policy proposals ahead of the drafting of the 2011 Party Manifesto. At the end of January there will be a vote on all proposals.

You can add your proposals here: http://www.pirateparty.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=2738#p24800

Web Team Volunteers Needed

The Party is looking to rebuild the Web Team. We are in need of members with all manner and level of skill - so don't be put off applying just because you don't think you're qualified enough. Remember, you will be working as part of a team to ensure the smooth and efficient running of our web presence and site back-end.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the NEC via e-mail at nec@pirateparty.org.uk, or post on the forum.

External Events

You may be interested in the following events:

• Privacy and Intellectual Property: how far should the law reach to protect copyright - http://www.sas.ac.uk/events/view/8049
• Westminster Media Forum Keynote Seminar: Online privacy and the ‘right to be forgotten’ - http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/agenda/online-privacy-agenda.pdf

Additionally, members are encouraged to get involved in Yes To AV campaign events. You can find events and information here: http://www.yestofairervotes.org/