Though Cowards Flinch

I’ve not had a lot of time to blog just recently, what with being a) busy b) a lazy arsehole.  So below a press release about what I and some other Liverpudlians are up to.   Tony’s on Radio Merseyside on Wednesday at 0750hrs, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Press release: Researching the Riots up and running in Liverpool

 A diverse group of researchers, comprising a stand-up comedian, an arts company director, an ex-councillor and two University of Liverpool academics, are spending October out and about on the streets of Liverpool. They are all part of an innovative research programme, being led jointly by the London School of Economics and the Guardian, which looks to discover the truth behind the headlines about August’s riots in Liverpool.

Selected because of their strong knowledge and links to the Liverpool community, their work is part of a wider national effort, with research teams also looking to carry out interviews with those involved in the riots in London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Gloucester.

 Tony Schoemacher, one of the Liverpool researchers, and a stand-up comedian and writer, explained why he’s involved in the research:

I got involved because I think it’s really important that we understand what went on In August and why. To do that we need to listen to those who were actually involved in the riots, and get their side of the story. This research means they’ll be able to do that with complete anonymity. Great care has been taken to ensure that everything we’re told will be treated in absolute confidence, and that no names or other identifying details will be revealed. The research study is completely independent of the government and the police.

The other researchers are two Liverpool University academics, Helen Porter and Katinka Weber, Paul Cotterill, who was until recently the leader of the Labour group of councillors in West Lancashire, and Nick Owen, director of arts education social enterprise the Aspire Trust.

 Katinka said:

We’re all excited to be working together on this project. We all come from very different backgrounds but we’ve already gelled really well as a small team. We’re looking forward to getting at the truth behind the headlines, and to the first report on the study, which will be produced by early December. As Tony says, all the interviews will be conducted under conditions of strictest confidence. Anyone who was involved and wants to be interviewed should call the research hotline 0203 353 2763 or go to the Facebook page http://on.fb.me/readingtheriots to see how to get in touch. The contributions of those involved are vital to understanding the unrest that spread across many English cities in August.

 Nick, of the Aspire Trust, said:

 I am delighted to be part of the research. Aspire is currently developing an arts based citizenship project in Merseyside schools called ‘What’s Our Future?’ Designed as a pupil voice project which explores young peoples ideas on citizenship, civil rights and society, we are hoping that What’s Our Future will provide some additional insights into the Reading the Riots research.

 Ends