York PEN: The University of York English PEN Society

09/06/2017

However you voted, this is an interesting round-up of all the papers reporting today's shock general election result. Remember that we're keen to publish any articles on anything connected with freedom of speech and human rights, so if you'd be interested in doing a piece- perhaps about how the outcome might have an impact on internet privacy laws, or the mandate for increased surveillance- please do get in touch!

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26/05/2017

Something interesting from the Evening Standard to add to our discussion on Wednesday about the different party manifestos!

The Tory lead over Labour has been halved since the two parties unveiled their manifestos, according to polls. Jeremy Corbyn’s party was given a fresh boost by a new poll showing Theresa May’s Conservatives dropping five per cent to 43, while Labour enjoyed a five per cent boost to 34.

21/05/2017

Please take five minutes to register to vote. It is incredibly important that you do. Don't delay, the deadline is TOMORROW. The next five years are decided by your choice to take five minutes to fill out this form.

Even if you aren't there on polling day, get yourself on the register either register to vote by proxy (let someone vote for you) or for a postal vote.

Get on the electoral register so you can vote in elections and referendums.

03/05/2017

Do you find this horrifying? Are you worried that the media's ability to report on the government is being increasingly compromised? Come to York PEN's discussion group tonight, 6.30-7.30, in Vanbrough V/123a, to discuss reporting around this election: Is this election different?

Local news reporters claim they were locked in a room by Theresa May's press officers as the Prime Minister toured a factory during an election campaign visit. Cornwall Live claimed its reporter was shut away in a room while Ms May visited the Water-Ma-Trout industrial estate in Helston.

26/04/2017

First meeting of the term today at 18.30 in V/123a. We'll be having an informal chat about the role of surveillance and the general election. All welcome!

09/04/2017

Brilliant article from David Mitchell on the slow introduction of a cashless society and the increase in online surveillance in counter-terrorism: 'It would not be safe to give Isis the power of almost infinite surveillance over everything we say or do online, who we talk to, what we like and every penny we spend. But Isis isn’t demanding that. The only issue is whether it’s safe to give it to those who are.'
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/09/cant-spend-a-penny-without-being-snooped-on-british-airways

Coins and notes with the Queen’s head on them, endorsed by a sovereign state, are no longer sufficient for British Airways. It needs to know who we are

07/03/2017

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/07/world/europe/wikileaks-cia-hacking.html?_r=0

The documents describe agency tools used to hack into smartphones and TVs, as well as to bypass encryption on programs like Signal and WhatsApp.

19/01/2017

Here's our latest article: a short piece on the state of affairs in Myanmar with Aung San Suu Kyi's administration turning its back on its progressive history and stifling free speech.

Chair Jonathan Tait discusses the alarming repercussions of repressive laws under the democratic party of Myanmar led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi’s contributions to the establishment of…

05/10/2016

Come find us at 6.30 in James College, Q Block, Room 001 - we have free wine!

03/10/2016

We really enjoyed meeting everyone at Freshers! Make sure to join us for a free glass of wine and to hear more about what we do at our first meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday in J/Q/001!

01/10/2016

We're here and set up in Vanbrugh Dining Hall, come get your free stationery and biscuits, and for only £4 become a member you get a snazzy membership card, and the opportunity to contribute to our work - previously recommended by the Huffington Post.

30/09/2016

Freshers Fair is nearly upon us. All members returning and new are encouraged to find us tomorrow in Vanbrugh Dining Hall. Membership for this year is £4, the mailing list is of course, free. We're there from 10am until 4pm, (9am for those coming during access hour).

Come sign up, grab a biscuit, collect your membership card, and have a chat with us about free speech and human rights.