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Article for Tory Social News (U.K): _96312976_mediaitem96312975 In this day and age parties don’t win elections just on policy announcements, and even more facts are being put in second place. Substituted for them is the personalities of those in charge, who can deliver the best message for a positive change, and which leader can battle it out in a TV debate best. Selling ambition is what won us Conservatives elections, and under David Cameron we shined. The ambition that we could live in a society where females feel more confident entering the workplace, and taking on more senior roles. Where we champion the idea of gender equality, and make landmark changes that allow same sex marriage. And of course the setting up of the National Citizen Service scheme which gets young people involved in group activities, promotes collaboration and sparks ideas. And we as a party need to continue to do this, with an ever greater momentum than ever before. We as a party need to push harder to get young people back from Labour and the Liberal Democrats, because the failure to do so will certainly lead to losing more seats particularly in London which is changing fast. I personally believe we are on the right side of the argument in many things- that we give young people the dream to own their own home and make them keep more of their pay packet. This is all good stuff, but we need an inspiring vision to take this message forward. You don’t just say that you favour free- enterprise, liberal democracy and choice and pack up home and think you’ve persuaded- no- people need to remember that the ideas of nationalisation, state control and high taxation can burden you even from a young age…you need to win the argument for every generation. And this is where we messed up at conference this year. Catchphrases of the “lion roaring” and the “British Dream” seems more of a substitute for the uncertain reality we are facing in Brexit negotiations that isn’t producing results, rather than spurring momentum and getting people pumped for what we can achieve after leaving the EU. Young people want more integration, certainty for their future, and a more caring society… and leaving the EU is slapping all this down. We are advocating to young people that the unknown is better than the current situation we are in of high employment, a reducing deficit, and high foreign investment. Playing with their future to the tune of “everything will be fine once we leave” and that we will magically appear better off economically once we leave is a fantasy. One because no country has seriously proposed a tangible trade agreement that matches the benefits of being in the single market, and two because once we leave, we become competition- and firms don’t take prisoners. The certainty for young people and their future job prospects is dampened when companies such as RBS, HSBC, Namoura and others publicly say they are seriously considering to leave, whilst Bombardier is about to lose 1,000 and BAE Systems announced today that it’s to axe at least two thousand, is actually putting the fear in people that the ‘dream’ is more a catastrophe waiting to happen, and that the economy is going to take a big hit. The solution to limiting the future negative economic gloom is simple, our party needs to unleash the pro-business pro-young entrepreneurial side it always had. We need to set out an economic policy which gives tax relief to new businesses being set up by young people, and we need more young business forums which generate ideas and fuel confidence among people to get out and actually invest and do business. Getting young people on the side of Brexit can be achieved if we propose upbeat policies promoting start-up businesses after Brexit. Because young people want to know the government will assist them after Brexit- that through grants, seminars, and government schemes that focus on young entrepreneurs, we are still the party of business, and we support businesses more than ever as we leave the single market and customs union and venture onto new global horizons. Integration with Europe can still be a growing ambition after Brexit. A deal that reaffirms a similar current situation of integration regarding research, university collaboration, right down to joint international development projects is something that will not only benefit our institutions that work closely with the continent, but also advocates Britain’s soft power after Brexit- that despite us leaving, we are willing to cooperate for the general good, and that we can make life better for all our continents citizens. And that is exactly what young people want to hear. Not that we abandon our previous commitments and get hostile over a settlement payment with Europe, and that all we talk about is trade, but instead we promote integration with our closest partners and allies and want to make a success of this, and that we still care for the 48% here in Britain-mostly young- that want our country to be part of that big project next door. We as a party lost a great opportunity last week to show that we can unite under a banner that advocates a relationship with Europe promoting both our citizen’s freedom, integration in a formal manner, and that we will get a good deal for young people that doesn’t effect their future economic prospects. We have a huge hill to climb, but it’s always worth remembering what makes our party great; Making the impossible-possible, selling ambition, and of course forming sound economic policies which makes Britain a model internationally of how to manage, and form, an economy which works for everyone.
U.K. Eleftheria Newspaper feature for Conservative Friends of Greece annual Conservative Party Conference event in Manchester: 12/10/2017 The Conservative Friends of Greece group held their second party conference event, this year in Manchester. The event marked two years since the founding of the group within the UK Conservative Party and has since gone from strength to strength with a record number of 12 Members in the House of Commons, two members of the House of Lords, and a member of the Greater London Assembly. The event was hosted by Stephanos Ioannou, Chairman of the Conservative Friends of Greece, with special guests: The Rt. Hon. Alberto Costa MP President of the All Party- Parliamentary Group for Greece and House of Commons Leader for Conservative Friends of Greece, John Penrose MP, Martin Vickers MP, Christopher Pincher MP, Andrew Rosindell MP. In addition the group were proud to announce their new leader for the House of Lords, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne. The event also welcomed H.E. Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic in the UK Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras and Andrew Boff, Conservative member for the London Assembly. Stephanos Ioannou opened the event by stating that: “For two years now Conservative Friends of Greece have been championing the voices of ordinary Greeks here in the UK. For two years we have welcomed Greeks into our party, given them a home, and made them feel that someone is on their side-the Conservative Party. We are the only political party here in the UK who is reaching out to the Greek community. Not Labour, nor the Liberal Democrats have acknowledged the difference Greek businesses and individuals themselves through society have made to the UK economy throughout the decades. But we do, and we say loud and clear “WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE!” “Even though the UK has voted to leave the European Union, we have not voted to fail our friendships with nations including Greece, that make up approximately 200,000 here in the UK. Conservative MP’s I’m sure will be lobbying hard to ensure the status of Greeks here in the UK and secure their future. We will never turn Greek people away from Britain, we will welcome you with open arms, and we will let you get on with your day to day life similar to Brits born here.” The Rt. Hon Alberto Costa MP also said: “I have had the pleasure of being President of the APPG for Greece in Parliament, working with colleagues from all parties to enhance and strengthen the bond between the UK and Greece. Together we are fighting hard to make sure ordinary Greeks living in the UK have a say in how we manage our country, and I am optimistic that our future relationship even after we leave the EU will be better than ever. From tourism to agriculture and shipping to consulting Greek business and expertise will always be welcome to the UK, and we value your input and efforts.” The Rt. Hon John Penrose MP also said: “Both the UK and Greece work very close together militarily, and this is emphasised by our NATO alliance that advocates peace, democracy and freedom.” “The UK has recently sent over HMS Duncan to Piraeus, a major vessel in our Royal Navy, to not only stem the flow of migrants but to undertake exercises with Greek military forces. This is alongside the more recent visit by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon to Souda Bay in Crete, a panicle base that brings together Britain-Greece-United States forces.” “After Brexit, I do not expect, and don’t wish to see a change in the military relationship between the UK and Greece. Greece is a pillar of stability in a region of instability. They are part of a major crossroad between mainland Europe, the Middle East, and with close proximity to North Africa, and so I echo that the UK would not want to lose such a strategic ally.” Baroness Nicholson said:”It is an honour for me to be present here this evening with the Conservative Friends of Greece group, and I look forward to working with the group and its members”. Non-governmental organisations are the backbone of the Greek civil society. From the Greek branches of international NGOs and nation-wide NGOs to local grassroots organisations, civil society in Greece is a diverse sector. The U.K. has played a key role also in the humanitarian work going on over in Greece. In February 1,000 tents were delivered by the British government to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection to help Greek authorities cope with the influx of refugees and migrants. The UK is providing ’940,000 of in-kind assistance delivered through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and NGOs in the form of 61,900 blankets, 1,000 tents, 200 solar lanterns, 8,000 inflatable mats, 8,000 sleeping bags, 4 generators and 1,000 floor tiles. In addition to the humanitarian effort, the U.K. recently deployed HMS Duncan to help with the stem of refugees coming into the country. With the help we are giving, not only are we providing assistance, but we are sending a message to Greece that they are not alone- and that the UK will be by their side even with difficult times such as now.” H.E. Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic in the UK Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras also said: “May I echo the Embassy’s appreciation and full support for the Group’s efforts. This is my second year at the groups conference event, and I am pleased to see that the number of parliamentarians has increased, as well as of course the new addition of Baroness Nicholson in the Lords. Greece has undergone a 7-year-long deep financial crisis. Throughout that period, and especially now that my country comes out of the crisis, it remained a pillar of stability and security in the otherwise turbulent eastern Mediterranean. Greece maintains good neighbourly relations with all countries in the SE Europe and the East Med region, and has forged strategic partnerships with key countries in those regions. And in terms of Brexit, but mostly in the effort of working out the future UK-EU relationship and the future UK-Greece bilateral relationship, Greece has been positive and will maintain a constructive role.” Andrew Boff, GLA member, also said:”London is proud to be one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, that welcomes everyone and in particular Greeks. With over 20 Greek Orthodox Churches here in London, hundreds of businesses, many Greek students studying at London universities, and over 100 Greek schools, it’s clear that London has and continues to welcome Greeks seeking a better quality of life.”
U.K Eleftheria Newspaper feature for formal candidate selection in Southgate Ward 21/09/2017: Greek Cypriot Stephanos Ioannou has been formally selected to stand as a Conservative candidate in Southgate ward, for the coming local elections in May 2018. Stephanos was born in 1996 to parents Costa and Elena from Potamos to Kampou-Morphou and Filia-Morphou, and has a twin sister Maria. He completed his A-Levels at Highlands School and Greek at Finchley Greek School, and is currently an undergraduate student in London studying Economics. In 2014 he began his political involvement with the youth wing of the Conservative Party, and managed to coordinate across London youth to get out and campaign for their local MP’s in the 2015 General Election. In 2016 Stephanos was appointed Chief of the London camping for Conservatives IN, a pro-European campaign set up by then Prime Minister David Cameron to urge voters to vote remain in the then referendum on EU membership. Shortly after the referendum he established the Conservative friends of Greece group, a group within the Conservative party that promotes bilateral ties between the United Kingdom and Hellenic Republic, and to date has 13 supporting MP’s inside the House of Commons. Stephanos is currently campaigning against the closure of Southgate Police Station, that has a vital immediate response unit at the back of the building which responds to robberies burglaries and other immediate crimes. In addition, he is a passionate advocate of a ‘compassionate government’ that includes pushing more action on refugees, fighting poverty, and prompting a more inclusive society. Other parts of his manifesto include improving the local education system in Enfield and making sure not only every parent gets their preferred school, but that every child goes to a quality school. Regarding the environment, he is a keen advocate for protecting local greenbelt land, and ensuring that our local parks are kept intact, alongside promoting people to get involved with local sports teams. He speaks frequently on TV regarding matters relating to Greece and Cyprus and the Conservative Party in general, and has appeared on the BBC, Channel 4, ERT, STAR, and even DW News among others. He is also a columnist for the newspaper United Politics. Stephanos also enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, exploring new cultures, and is a keen Panathinaikos supporter. You can keep in contact with Stephanos by: Email: Stephanos@cfgreece.org Facebook: @StephanosSouthgate Twitter: @stephanosio Website: Stephanosioannou.net

My piece in the United Politics ( English ) Newspaper:

In a government building in Athens, a group of Greece’s most powerful media executives have been sequestered for two days without mobile phones or creature comforts. They’re representing nine companies bidding for four television licenses in a secretive government auction that will fundamentally re-align Greece’s TV market. Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras’ government is halving the number of licensed TV operators in a sweeping move that critics have described as a politically-motivated attack on privately owned media. But, what Alexis does not understand is that this media crackdown will also cause a backlash from the Greek population. Below are some reasons why Greece needs press freedom. To see the full article, please click on this link

My piece in the United Politics ( English ) Newspaper:

Russia has had a rough year: it lost to Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest; some of its athletes were banned from competing in the Rio Olympics; and the European Union (EU) decided to renew its sanctions against Russia. Many Russians think these events are Western conspiracies designed to keep Russia down. What does this tell us about how Russia sees the West? After all, whether the Russian view is right or not, this perspective shapes Russian foreign policy. Thus, the West must make an effort to understand the Russian point of view in order to better anticipate Russian actions and make the West more secure. Russia views the West as an aggressor to be defended against. This perception has deep historic roots dating back to the Napoleonic invasion, German Imperial and Nazi invasions, and the Iron Curtain and proxy wars of the Cold War. The 1990s offered a brief reprieve in Russian-Western relations, but the general theme has remained the same: Russia feels threatened by the West. To see the full article, please click on this link Screen Shot 2016-08-30 at 21.44.43.png

My piece in the PARAPOLITIKA (Greek) Newspaper:

With the outcome on the referndum for the UK’s membership with the EU being Brexit, to leave, I was asked to give my views on the decision the British people to the Greek newspaper PARAPOLITIKA. I focused on the consequences for Greek nationals living in the UK, and the impact it will have on them. First was the impact of Greek nationals coming to study in the UK. Greek’s have the fourth largest presence in UK universities, and with that pay EU subsided fees. The impact of a Brexit, and increased fees brings the prospects of future Greeks coming to the UK to study at risk. Second was the conscious feeling of now residing in a nation outside the European Union. It gives the impression to current EU residents that they are unwelcome… That their contribution to the UK is not enough. One could call this a “punishment”, for taking British jobs, for using public services, and for fairing better than people either born or in the UK before them. This I mentioned  “Is not something that will slowly die away and be forgotten about, this will be in EU nationals minds forever.” Third, I mentioned the impact of Greek exports to the UK. Whether it be food, clothing, or services, Greece will be far worse off from Brexit in terms of the trade relationship between the two countries. Another important point is the possible decline in tourism in Greece as UK nationals either cant afford because of a worsening exchange rate, or because the economic uncertainty leads to more caution with spending on luxuries. Lastly I mentioned the impact of freedom of movement between the UK and Greece. Myself traveling frequently between the two countries felt upset, and deprived, of this blessed luxury that for so long I and others took advantage of. The knowingness that on arrival in Greece we will be in the “other passports lane” is something I have never experienced, and never wanted to. To see the article in Greek, please click on this link. Screen Shot 2016-07-06 at 15.26.11.png

My article in the New Europeans Newspaper: 26/05/2016

 Results in Sunday’s general election showed that Cyprus’s ruling conservatives took the lead in Sunday’s general election, while a far-right party won its first seats in the legislature amid voter disillusionment after a 2013 financial meltdown. With the voting tally at 100 per cent, and an unprecedentedly high abstention rate, the right-wing Democratic Rally party was ahead with 30.6 per cent of the vote followed by Communist AKEL with 25.6 per cent. To read the remainder of the article, please click on this link. Screen Shot 2016-07-08 at 15.12.20.png

Greek Reporter Article:

The article below talks about the influx of Greek nationals to the UK during a period of economic and political instability in Greece. This article was done for Greek Reporter back in January 2014, and was one of my fist articles!

For the link to the article please click here

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Greek Reporter Article:  This article below  talks about my experiences of Greek school. Again this was another article I did for Greek Reporter EU, and was one of my first. For the link please click here Screen Shot 2015-12-04 at 14.00.04
Greek Reporter Article: This was an article (below) I had done previously on a small and growing Greek delicatessen in the heart of London. Again it is one of my first articles for Greek Reporter.

For a link to the article please click here:

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