London news round-up

China-UK women’s festival for London

THE CHINA-UK Women’s Cultural Festival will further enhance mutual understanding between women of the two countries and draw specific links between Beijing and London on hosting Olympic Games, a visiting Chinese official told the media in London on Monday.
Long Jiangwen, counsel of the International Department of All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF), told a press conference that the week-long festival which started on Sunday is of great significance against the backdrop of the current China-Britain relation, which is now at its best.
An 80-strong Chinese women’s delegation led by Gu Xiulian, president of the ACWF, is the main force of the Chinese part of the festival co-sponsored by the ACWF, London Mayor’s Office and the Organising Committee for China Now, the largest ever Chinese cultural festival in Britain.
Main activities of the festival include a Forum on Women and the Olympics and Paralympics, a Photo Exhibition on Women in China, a popular variety performance called The Same Song-let’s sing together, meeting with Chinese women entrepreneurs, and a Chinese New Year show performed by a Chinese children’s troupe alongside some British children.
The China-UK Women’s Cultural Festival, as one of the highlights of China Now, is expected to showcase the progress of women and children’s care and well-being in China since China’s adoption of the policy of reform and opening-up in 1978.
“We hope the festival will further the understanding between women of China and Britain, fostering a closer friendship between the two peoples,” said Long.
Xinhua news agency

Unite to sponsor major anti-racism carnival

THE GIANT general union Unite last week announced that it will be the main sponsor for the biggest anti-racism event in London for over 30 years.
Unite has joined up with Love Music Hate Racism to mark the 30-year anniversary of the iconic 1978 RAR (Rock Against Racism) carnival and march.
The event will take place in East London’s Victoria Park on Sunday 27th April with Babyshambles to headline. The last seminal event took place on 30th April 1978 with Tom Robinson Band headlining.
Unite which has two million members, campaigns to promote fairness and justice for people in and out of the workplace. Equal rights are a key priority promoting equality of members of every ethnic or national origin.
Derek Simpson, Unite joint general secretary says: “Events like these that bring people together are vital to helping suppress the threat we face from racist organisations. These organisations are attempting to gain votes by playing off people’s disenchantment with politics and their insecurities.
“Unite is proud to support an event which will send out a strong message of unity to 80,000 Londoners days before the Greater London Authority election for London Mayor on 1st May.”