Censor the Census?

Everyone should be included in the census – all people, households and overnight visitors. It is used to help plan and fund services for your community – services like transport, education and health. Taking part in the census is very important and it’s also compulsory. You could face a fine if you don't participate or if you supply false information.

That’s what the website tells us. What it doesn’t tell us is that the second largest arms manufacturer in the world, American firm Lockheed Martin, responsible for arming dictatorships around the world, were awarded the £150m contract to run the census and process the data.

There are protests planned across the UK on Saturday and many people are refusing to fill in the form, at the risk of a £1000 fine and a criminal record. However, not filling in the form may deprive councils – and us – of much-needed funds if there are large numbers of people unaccounted for. It’s a tough one.

Do write: Religion: Jedi
Don’t write: Occupation: Terrorist (you’ll probably get a phone call from a Lockheed Martin representative asking if you’d be interested in purchasing any missiles.)