This message is really about propagation, and you helping send this message on.
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Most of you who read this, are in a position to pass on information throughout your other lactation networks and internet forums, and your contacts are needed.
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The UK is embroiled in a horrible, and costly, fight in the courts. The UK formula manufacturers, in a ghostly manifestation of what went on in the Philippines, are 'in court' trying to have restrictions on formula promotion removed, and the UK 2007 update of controls has currently been suspended in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland, as a result of their filing court actions.
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They're stating such action is "in order to protect the continued supply of baby milk formula".
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Scotland has stood alone in refusing to suspend the 2007 regulations in deference to the legal bids by the formula companies.
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The old chestnut about free market and free enterprise, is being used hard, and the Conservative party is trumpeting their support under a banner of supporting business.
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Currently, Baby Milk Action are fighting hard to prepare for court, and to defend these attacks on behalf of us all. But the sheer scope of the attack by the formula makers, is soaking up their resources. They need help and support: they need money.
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Baby Milk Action are also limited on what they can discuss in public, as they are involved directly in the court battle.
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As excellent debate took place in the House of Lords this week, with many of our peers pointing out the dangers to babies from formula not being made up with the correct water temp etc, and how there needs to be stronger regulation, not less. But such work is not high on the agenda for media coverage, and much of this battle is going on unseen and unheard.
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So if you have a chance to propagate awareness of this struggle, to suggest to people that they send money and aid to Baby Milk Action, to make connection or comment in your own area, about the dire situation going on here - please do so.
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You could propagate Mike Brady's blogspot URL, which gives details on the legal challenges etc. You could ask others to give money to Baby Milk Action - it can be donated online via Mike's blogspot.
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Baby Milk Action have many lactation supportive gifts that can be bought online, and they're selling off their 2008 calenders at the moment.
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If you're in the UK, you can write to your MP and demand an answer of what they are doing about it and ask they sign Early Day Motion 608. If you are in a Conservative area, you can demand the party rethink their stance and if you are a member fo the Conservative party you can ask why your views are being ignored by your own leadership.
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If you've worked, or are working, in resource poor areas as part of your job, you can write to the UK Government and let them know about your opinion on the matter of relaxing formula marketing restrictions.
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You can write to the Peers who spoke this week, applauding them and giving your weight to their opinion.
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You can write in your own blogs and posts in other forums, on the matter, and spread the word and the awareness of the need for donations.
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If you know others who are passionate about babies' rights to breastfeed, who may not know about this situation - send them the URL for this post.
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If there is one thing the internet is good for - IT'S MAKING A FUSS!! We need a real big fuss, about now: please shout on the UK's behalf. Let your voice carry into other places.
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If they win here....
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Morgan
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(Nothing whatsoever to do with Baby Milk Action and acting entirely under the auspices of her own fury)
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