The Huffington Post on the Sheffield trees crisis and the petition. "How democracy commits suicide: The Sheffield trees, and the corporate takeover of local government... Sheffield council signed away its powers when it signed that PFI contract with Amey. Sheffield’s citizens have no way to influence Amey, accountable only to its shareholders. And they have no way, now, to influence the council, which is sadly accountable only to Amey. The antidemocratic nature of PFI contracts is an issue that extends well beyond Sheffield and its trees. But Sheffield and its trees are a particularly vivid illustration. That’s why many Sheffield residents are calling on Jeremy Corbyn, who well understands the problems with PFI contracts, to help mediate this disastrous situation before it goes further. The petition is still taking signatures."