UNISON NDC 12: Neville Lawrence addresses Conference

On Friday morning, Neville Lawrence, the father of murdered black teenager ,Stephen Lawrence gave a very moving speech to Conference about his family's quest for Justice. Neville and many delegates were openly tearful during his account
of what they had to go through (and still do).

Neville is opposed to the plans to privatise the Police service "he said: "I can tell you why it will be a disaster. If you privatise the police force, the government is no longer responsible. It won't be about crime any more, it will be about making money.

I had the privilege last week to meet and talk briefly to Mr Lawrence and to shake his hand. 

PC Nina Mackay

Last Saturday I was campaigning in Arthingworth Street, West Ham, E15 with my fellow ward Councillor, Freda Bourne.

I took this picture of the memorial to 25 year old Police Constable Nina Mackay. She had been murdered in 1997 at this address while trying to arrest a mentally ill man.  I can still remember the shock that I felt at the time on learning about her death.

This is a quiet and normally peaceful back street area and it is very sobering to come across such memorials to a public servant who died in the course of her duties while trying to protect the public.

Tomorrow is also Workers Memorial Day.