SDLP Youth have called for the European Union to pressure Israel to end attacks on Gaza.

SDLP Youth Chair Peter Armstrong today said: “The international community must do a lot more to end the Israeli attacks on Gaza. In a single day the Israeli Army killed 270 people in retaliation for 1 Israeli dying in a mortar attack. Killing and injuring thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza is a completely disproportionate response. There must be another way. A peaceful solution must be sought. A ceasefire needs to be restored.

“World leaders need to put pressure on Israel to immediately end the bombardment. A message must go across from the EU that this is not acceptable, a breach of international law and it cannot continue.”

“SDLP Youth are calling on everyone to sign an emergency petition by Avaaz on their website at http://www.avaaz.org/en/gaza_time_for_peace/ which calls on the European Union to ensure that a ceasefire is restored, to stop the bloodshed and address the humanitarian crisis.”

Belfast City Councillor Tim Attwood is helping Tiny Life, Northern Ireland’s only premature baby charity.

On 20th December he will take part in a two day, two team challenge with one mission - to save Santa! It’s a live online event you don’t want to miss! Two teams of 4 will be battling against each other live on the Internet - facing numerous challenges over two days.

Please take a moment to visit www.helpsavechristmas.com and place your vote online for the team you think will win! If you’re right you might win an iPod.

The event starts on Saturday 20th December 2008 @ 2pm.

Local SDLP Youth representative, Shane Boyle, has today called for people across the North to support Eoghan Quigg in Saturday night’s X-Factor live final.

Shane said:

“Eoghan has done Dungiven, and the wider Derry area proud. His cheeky character and enormous talent have made him an idol for many young people across Ireland and Britain.

“Each week, his excellent performances and sheer determination set a great example for youths of how enough hard work and a passion for what for what you do can open many doors.

“Every Saturday, Eoghan gives an amazing performance, which has undoubtedly guaranteed him a well deserved place in this week’s final.

“Eoghan has also displayed an incredible ability to unite the people of the North, young and old, regardless of political affiliations through his unique talent.

Shane added:

“I would encourage all local people, from throughout the North, to show their support this Saturday by voting for Eoghan Quigg – don’t forget Derry has the X-Factor!”

On November 28-30th SDLP Youth representative and Lecale Branch Secretary Barry Magee was in Madrid, Spain for a European Community Of Socialist Youth (ECOSY) bureau meeting and the Party of European Socialists (PES) Council.

With the European elections in June 2009 the PES Council provided an opportunity for social democrats and socialists from all over Europe to adopt the PES manifesto for the European elections.

The PES manifesto ”People First: A New Direction For Europe” was adopted in Madrid by over 232 delegates from 33 member parties. At the centre of the manifesto is building a new Social Europe- by putting people first.

SDLP Youth believe that this can be done through building a citizens’ Europe by engaging more young people in policy developments and enlarging the scope of youth exchanges.

During the year ECOSY formally adopted 9 Deliverables that would form the basis of the ECOSY input into the PES manifesto.

These deliverables include: 15 million new jobs by 2014 - better working conditions for young people; more social security - better public services; eradicate poverty - national minimum incomes and wages; no unnecessary bureaucracy - building a citizens Europe; better integration - tackling roots cause of migration; equal rights; sustainable lifestyles; no more unilateralism; and decent work for all.

SDLP Youth are very happy with our contribution into the final official ECOSY input into the PES manifesto. SDLP Youth input focused on creating a level playing field for agency workers; reforming the European social model in light of recent EU enlargement; addressing the current global economic malaise; and creating social responses to the globalisation of capital markets.

We want Change For Europe, We want to put People First!

Further information:
- ECOSY 9 deliverables
- The 2009 PES Manifesto