THE recent U-turn by the government on the number of unaccompanied children currently clinging to life in the various refugee camps throughout Europe, being given the opportunity to seek sanctuary in Britain should be applauded.

Their first response had been to turn their collective backs on some of the most vulnerable souls currently walking the earth, leaving them to the mercy of exploitation from all manner of unholy parasites. None of us want to contemplate the thought of one of our own children being exposed to such danger and hardship.

We at Kandu are particularly concerned that once the relativity small numbers of refugees reach the relative safety of our shores, that the public understand their plight and, through understanding, develop empathy. To that end as part of our Safe and Sounds project we recently took members of our girls group to see the thought provoking play, “Calais” in London, it is fair to say that the girls came away much better informed than when they went in.

As part of this project, working with Asylum seekers and refugees in host communities in the UK, we have just completed an inspiring week with the wonderful staff, volunteers and guests from Eritea, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Kuwait and Ethiopia at the Harbour Project in Swindon. A week of music, food, dance and games, sharing joy and support in our common humanity and hope in the future with those seeking safety in our communities. The Harbour Project participants reported that they have experienced a warm welcome in Wiltshire with kindness and support from many quarters.

In further supporting our work in this area we are releasing a single “Cosmic Shower” (Lost Humanity) featuring Melanie C and The Kandu Collective, available from 18 June with a live performance at our fundraising event in London. This, and an auction of specially produced beautiful and poignant art works from local and national artists including Harriet Whyatt, Mary Quarmby, Sophy Dury, Tom Moore, Sasha Ward etc will further raise awareness and funds for us to deliver activities and support.

Having a government ready to admit its mistakes is somewhat refreshing. It could save a lot of time and energy by using a more empathic and humane template when formulating potential legislation. This might involve going against their natural, capitalist instinct but in the long term it will serve the country and the world better.

Another area of serious thought and consideration is The Transatlantic trade and investment partnership (T.T.I.P) the potentially calamitous trade agreement that will allow multi-nationals overreaching power to exploit at will without fear of having to accommodate the inconvenience of sovereign law or any semblance of morality. With all the smoke and mirrors often associated with the murky world of politics maybe the whole E.U debacle /debate is just one big red herring to distract the masses from giving enough scrutiny to what may be one of the most worrying developments with regard to democratic rule since laughing Joe Stalin’s take on socialism.

If you haven't heard of this latest attempt by the USA. and its willing European capitalist accomplices to impose its undemocratic mandate on the masses, its because they don't want you to know. Most of the carving up has been deliberately hidden and has only been brought to light by campaign groups and through forced public disclosure. Do yourself and the world a favour, investigate what it is, realise just how truly sociopathic the mind of your average capitalist is and start campaigning for a more just world.

Don't think that one person alone can't make a difference as that's what they want you to believe. Read the history of the likes of Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Emmeline Pankhurst et al and realise the true power of the individual and of the collective. Not since the second world war has our democracy and freedom been so threatened.