Sports commentator and broadcaster Chris Kamara has called upon the government to do more when it comes to poverty and pensions in the UK.
Giving an interview with Good Morning Britain on Thursday morning, the former Sky Sports analyst and presenter sat down to discuss the prevailing issue of poverty across Britain and how the current access to state pensions and DLA (disability living allowance) is simply not good enough.
Following the death of his mother, who was cared for by Marie Curie nurses in her final days, the 65-year-old has now teamed up with the charity to bring a petition with already more than 165,000 signatures to Downing Street today (23 February), which will allow for working-age people to claim their state pension if they are dying.
“People shouldn’t be allowed to die in poverty – 90,000 people die in poverty [every year], so that’s 10 an hour, the capacity of Wembley Stadium when you take it as a whole. So that’s got to stop.”
As Kamara explained, “Once you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness you’ve not got long left, you have to stop your job, your circumstances change, you’re devastated, so social security money isn’t enough, so access [to] the state pension [is needed].
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Explaining the context behind the petition, he added: “I’m going to Downing Street with two ladies whose circumstances have completely changed, they’ve been diagnosed with terminal illness and their partners have had to give up work to look after them.
“They just haven’t got any money. Their life has changed completely out of all proportion.”
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Kammy went on to state that people who are terminally ill are simply “not getting enough money to help them get by so they have their pension they worked hard [for]. If you worked hard for 35/45 years of your life, you’ve got three or four years until you’re 66. Why not access your pension that you’re never [going to] get?”
Despite a DWP spokesperson insisting that “those nearing the end of their lives can get fast-track access to a range of benefits without needing a face-to-face assessment or waiting period”, Kamara and charities like Marie Curie believe the pension system needs wholesale changes.
However, according to a January study by Loughborough University, it is estimated that such legislation would cost the government around £114.4 million per year, hence why many feel the petition and fresh campaigning are needed to get it across the line.
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Having been forced into retirement last year following his apraxia diagnosis — a condition that affects his movement and speech — Kammy has become fully aware of the struggles of growing old with an illness present.
Released with the help of ITV‘s Ben Shephard, who also interviewed him on GMB, the iconic footballing voice released a documentary charting how he’s learned to live with his condition, entitled, Chris Kamara: Lost for Words.
Lee Rigby’s son is raising tens of thousands for charity in honour of his dad
Danny Jones
Jack Rigby, the son of soldier Lee Rigby, is raising an absolutely huge amount of money for charity in memory of his father.
Rigby, a former Royal Fusilier who served in Afghanistan for three years, was tragically murdered by extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale outside the Woolwich Barracks in May 2013 and now, over a decade after his death, his son is hoping to raise as much as possible in his honour.
His dad was 25 when he was killed and Jack himself was only two-years-old at the time. Now 13, the inspiring young man set out on his fundraising journey earlier this year, completing a marathon on behalf of Scotty’s Little Soldiers back in May, a military bereavement charity.
Setting himself the goal of reaching the ‘Scotty’s March’ £10k target — i.e. hoping to raise a £1,000 for each year since his passing — Jack and his family have been blown after the fundraiser has already amassed over £55k in donations.
Thank you to @DailyMirror for helping Scotty Member Jack Rigby to boost his fundraising for other bereaved military children just like him. https://t.co/qNnMgcCF9a
With the goalposts now being moved to £60,000 after Jack and his mum Rebecca’s efforts have led to nearly £55k in contributions to the specialised bereavement organisation to support grieving military children and young people up to the age of 25.
Writing in his post when the fundraiser was first set up, Jack said, “This year marked the 10-year anniversary, it’s never easy but this year felt even harder for some reason. To help me through this year I have been concentrating on raising funds and awareness for Scotty’s Little Soldiers…
“This [has] really helped me to concentrate on something positive at a very difficult time while helping this amazing charity“, an intitiave he has been a part ever since he was a young child, adding that he named his dog Scotty in tribute to their important work for military families across the UK.
It was only earlier this year that the teenager spoke out about his father for the first time having already smashed his fundraising target before he had even run his marathon.
Speaking in an exclusive with the Mirror, who have decided to double his total donations to £100,000 as part of a Pride of Britain GoFundMe campaign, Jack says that the “It helps to know [he’s] not the only one in [his] situation and that there’s people [he] can reach out and talk to”.
As for mum, she said: “Jack was so excited to see the amount grow and seeing how much each donation made him smile meant the world to me. He and I read all the messages of support and were thankful for them all. We honestly couldn’t believe how kind and generous people were being.”
Featured Image — Gov.uk/Jack Rigby (via Scotty’s Little Soldiers)
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Greater Manchester’s volunteer police officers are now trained to deal with ‘high tension’ events
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of volunteer police officers across Greater Manchester are now being given public order training to deal with “high tension” events.
In case you aren’t too familiar, Public Order Public Safety (POPS) is an arm of policing that covers a wide range of events and operations that could present instances of high or increased tension, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Some events of this nature include protests, festivals, sporting events, and disorder – basically, anywhere where there may be a risk to public safety.
In order to make sure there’s more hands on deck when these situations arise, GMP has now confirmed that it’s beginning the process of training up its volunteer workforce – formally known as Police Specials, of which there are currently about 200 employed to work 16-hours each month – to be able to work such events.
This is so they know how to correctly handle and manage potentially tension-filled situations.
Greater Manchester’s volunteer police officers are now trained to deal with ‘high tension’ events / Credit: GMP
GMP says that around 30 Police Specials completed their level two training over four days at the police force’s specialist training centre in Openshaw this week.
This means they can now be deployed at high-profile events.
Chief Superintendent Chris Hill, who is the strategic lead at GMP, say Police Specials play an “important role” for the police force, as they often join response teams or are put to good use by providing a link between local Greater Manchester communities and GMP.
#NEWS | GMP is now one of three forces in the UK to offer public order training to its special constables.
Around 30 specials completed the training over four days at GMP’s training centre in #Openshaw and can now be deployed at high-profile events
“Special constables have the same powers and look the same as regular officers,” CS Hill explained, “but the difference is they are volunteers and can have regular jobs as well.
“The specials that completed the training are now highly-trained in tactics, as well as how to use equipment including helmets and shields, and can be deployed to high-profile football matches and events or demonstrations where there is an increase in tension.
“We hope this will make joining GMP as a special a more interesting and exciting prospect.”
This is so they know how to correctly handle and manage public order events / Credit: GMP
Mike Walmsley, who is GMP’s Chief Officer and oversees the Special Constabulary, added how great it is to see a “continued investment” in the special constables.
He continued: “Having a team trained to public order level two allows us to further support our colleagues.
“[It will also] unlock more of the potential that the Special Constabulary has.
“We have already started to map out structured learning and supplied them with laptops and, coupled with further opportunities, this will allow our officers to develop further and support in existing and new areas.”
Danny Jones -
23rd February 2023 
