Campaigns

If travelling abroad makes you aware of anything, it's that life isn't perfect. Here we've tried to highlight just some of the issues people face around the world – and what's being done about it.

British War Memorial Project: "It seems that within a few years, memories and records of the lives of the members of our Armed Forces have often slipped into obscurity. In certain areas, cemeteries have fallen into such a state of decay that it is sometimes difficult even to enter them safely. The project's mission is to see that their names are not forgotten. Without the help of dedicated volunteers the project would not exist." Find out how the British War Memorial Project is creating an online photographic record of British war graves - and how you can help.
Anti-Slavery Campaign: For many people, the image that comes to mind when they hear the word slavery is that of the old slave trade. We think of the buying and selling of people, their shipment from one continent to another and the abolition of the trade in the early 1800s. Even if we know nothing about the slave trade, it is something we think of as part of our history rather than our present. But the reality is that slavery continues TODAY.
Anti-Slavery Campaign - a reader's reply: "I recently came across the article about slavery in all its diabolical forms, trafficking, etc. Do people think that this is one of those blights on humanity which only happens in far away foreign countries so while we feel very sorry about it we don't feel too concerned or threatened? Or do you think perhaps it also happens a little closer to home? Hmm!" BE reader Jayne tells a disturbing story of slavery within the EU...
Vulture Recovery Plan: "Mystery deaths among Indian white-backed vultures, long-billed vultures and slender-billed vultures has cut their numbers by more than 97% in India in twelve years. In Pakistan numbers fell by 92% in five years. And the rate of decline is increasing." Three species of vulture in India are suddenly faced with extinction. The Editor reports on plans to rehabilitate them.
Gozo SPCA: "Gozo SPCA is the only charity in Gozo (that's the small island next to Malta!) looking after the protection and care of all animals. Its centre, in Victoria, acts as a busy strays and rehoming centre." Find out how you can help the volunteers at the Gozo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - founded by expats in 1976.
Pensions Campaign: Information and Addresses: It seems that there is considerable controversy about British pensions for expats. To ensure you get a fair deal, you can join a group to lobby for "parity, not charity"...
Frozen Pensions: "Pensioners who live in the UK have their state pension uprated every April, sometimes by a miserably small 75 pence. But even this niggardly increase is denied to those who have been brave enough to help populate the far flung reaches of the "empire". And this despite the fact that they have paid the same contributions as pensioners who reside in the UK." James Nelson writes of the anomalies faced by British pensioners overseas.
Winter Fuel Allowance: "Like many other UK pensioners I have elected to live elsewhere in the European Union. However, because I do not receive my pension at a UK address, the DSS appears to have decreed that I, and other UK pensioners like myself, should not receive the WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE..." Anita Rieu-Sicart writes from the Var in Southern France.
Pensions - Returnees and Emigrants: James Nelson, Vice President of the British Australian Pensioner Association, continues to fight for pensioners' rights. Join in the fight for your rights!
Reciprocal Agreements: A letter from F. Richard Corner, Secretary-General of the World Alliance of British Expatriate Pensioners, to Baroness Amos