Green Party: Recent Episodes
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Today Green MPs backed the continued passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in the House of Commons. All four Green MPs voted yes at the Bill’s third reading.
Although broad support for assisted dying is Green Party policy, on this issue of conscience there was no party line and every MP voted according to their own personal deliberations.
Every Green MP worked hard to hear from and understand people with different views on this sensitive issue. This included: meeting both supporters and opponents including constituents directly affected by terminal illness at their MP surgeries, sitting down with local faith leaders, support services and Disabled people’s groups, taking part in briefings and information sessions with medical professionals both for and against the Bill, carefully considering the scores of amendments that were added to the law, and replying to the many hundreds of emails and letters from constituents writing in with questions, personal views and experiences.
Every MP took this decision they made with the utmost seriousness. Green MPs are fully committed to making sure this new policy proceeds with the utmost care and safety in mind and will also continue to use their voices in Parliament to press for vital improvements to the availability of palliative care.
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The Green Party has said Labour’s inadequate funding of SEND and dither over tackling a social care crisis is what is leading so many councils to bankruptcy [1].
The Party’s co-leader, Adrian Ramsay MP, said:
“We need the government to act urgently on the social care crisis. Instead, Labour has kicked the problem into the long grass, again. The Royal Commission on social care, ordered by the government some months ago, is not due to report until 2028.
“There have been around 25 social care commissions, select committee inquiries and white papers since 1997 [2]. We don’t need more dither; we need action. Instead of another Commission, Labour needs to get on with the proposal for cross-party talks on how best to fund social care, but they keep postponing. Meanwhile, people across Britain continue to suffer and local councils are left to pick up the bill for the care sector’s funding crisis.
“As for SEND, the Spending Review has failed to address deficits racked up by councils or the fact that many children are not getting the access to special educational needs support they need. The IFS says that any extra money pledged for schools will almost entirely be wiped out tackling the growing demand for special educational needs [3].”
“Even with five percent increases to Council tax, many Councils are still effectively looking at bankruptcy [4]. Until the government gets a grip on social care and SEND – the main reasons why councils are going bust – we won’t see any improvement in this desperate situation.”
Notes
- https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/councils-emergency-funds-tax-hikes-3752666
- https://www.health.org.uk/reports-and-analysis/briefings/social-care-commissions-looking-back-to-move-forward
- https://ifs.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-06/Spending_Review_analysis_impacts_for_public_services_MW.pdf Slide 6
- https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/06/12/4bn-a-year-more-available-for-adult-social-care-by-2028-29-in-spending-review/
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The Green Party has called on the UK government to press for de-escalation, push for an immediate ceasefire and hold all parties to the same international standards, in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East.
Co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay MP, said:
“The escalating crisis between Israel and Iran is gravely concerning, not just for regional stability, but for the safety of civilians – there have already been hundreds of casualties. Calls for the total evacuation of central Tehran are deeply alarming indicating people’s homes and hospitals and children’s schools are at risk of attack, not just military targets.
“We are witnessing a pattern of Israel acting with impunity. In Gaza, military objectives have become indistinguishable from the mass suffering of civilians with little or no critique, let alone sanctions from the international community. And now, we are seeing a similar playbook with Israel appearing to pursue regime change in Iran through unilateral military action, without any international mandate or clear justification.
“The UK government must urgently press for de-escalation, push for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, and hold all parties to the same international standards – holding to account Israel for its aggressive unilateral actions and Iran for its well-documented human rights violations.
“Furthermore, Donald Trump’s warmongering rhetoric is fanning the flames of this conflict. The UK must stand firmly against such a gung-ho approach to military intervention and call on the US to instead prioritise genuine diplomatic engagement and humanitarian relief.”
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Responding to the bombing of Iran by Israel overnight, Green Party MP, Ellie Chowns, said:
“The targeted assassinations and widespread bombing of Iran by Israel represent a deeply alarming escalation.
“These actions confirm that Israel is a rogue state operating outside international law. Israel can no longer continue to enjoy the diplomatic and trade privileges they have as part of the international community.
“The UK must now urgently clarify whether it knew about these attacks in advance, urgently summon the Israeli ambassador to express the UK’s deep concern about Israel’s military actions and state unequivocally that it will cease military support for Israel, including arms sales and the training of Israeli military personnel.
She continued, “Iran’s nuclear brinkmanship is a threat to peace in the wider region and cannot be tolerated. Now more than ever, we need cool heads in a multilateral diplomatic process to look to address Iran’s growing nuclear threat. The unilateral bombing of Iran by Israel does nothing to make us safer and risks full-scale war.”
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Responding to the Spending Review, Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay MP, said,
“Today’s Spending Review shows we have a chancellor who seems to know the price of everything and the value of nothing. While today Reeves may have balanced her spreadsheet, it is done on the backs of some of the worst off in our society. The proof is in how many will still be feeling worse off as the cost-of-living crisis bites hard.
People want to feel pride in Britain again, and for this, they need real hope. Hope only comes from seeing how things will improve through real investment in the everyday services we all rely on.
Despite the rhetoric in the chamber, it is clear that this Spending Review represents a squeeze in many frontline budgets. With education, for example, where many schools are already being forced to make difficult budget cuts, core school budgets are set to rise by just 0.6%. It is hard to see this money ever reaching our teachers and children in the classroom. Equally, I am horrified to see real-term cuts to Defra funding, just as the impact of climate change is starting to affect our communities. Now is the time to invest in climate resilience and preparedness.”
He continued, “These ‘tough decisions’ are actually ‘Labour’s political choices’. They are choosing to leave the economy tilted towards those with considerable wealth. Our front-line services continue to deteriorate through a political choice of decline by design. By introducing a wealth tax on the super-rich, we could instead properly invest in our children’s future. We could give them the education they deserve and start now to invest in the climate resilience and preparedness they will need throughout their lives as the climate crisis unfolds.”
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Responding to news that EDF will build a new nuclear power plant at Sizewell at an estimated cost of over £14bn, co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay MP, said:
“Nuclear power is hugely expensive and far too slow to come on line. The only thing delivered by EDF so far at Hinkley Point in Somerset is overspend and delay. Electricity was promised by 2017 with a price tag of £22bn but this has mushroomed to 40bn and Hinkley is still producing no power.
“The money being spent on this nuclear gamble would be far better spent on insulating and retrofitting millions of homes, bringing down energy bills and keeping people warmer and more comfortable. We should also be investing in genuinely green power such as fitting millions of solar panels to roofs and in innovative technologies like tidal power. All this would create many more jobs than nuclear ever will.”
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Ahead of Wednesday’s Spending Review, Adrian Ramsay MP, co-leader of the Green Party, accused the government of lacking a vision for a better future. He said: “This Spending Review shows that the government knows the cost of everything but the value of nothing.”
He went on to say:
“This looks like a spreadsheet Britain approach, leading the country into deliberate decline, when we need a hopeful vision for a better future.
“Austerity has meant our hospitals, schools and transport services have sustained real terms budget cuts, and long-term capital investment will not deliver fast enough to impact people’s lives. Millions of people are facing financial, health and housing insecurity right now. The Spending Review will fail those children stuck in poverty today – children who need warm homes and enough to eat.”
“We need to invest in a more secure future for everyone. Real security comes from people feeling warm and comfortable in their homes, valued in their communities and secure in the knowledge that climate action will safeguard the future for their children and grandchildren.”
Ramsay said there should be a much stronger focus on building, providing and retrofitting social homes. He said:
“Rather than turning the screw further on councils which are already on their knees, the Chancellor must commit the billions that councils need to buy, build and design social housing instead of offering a blank cheque to developers to build executive homes that few can afford.
“We know this is what people want. A new YouGov survey commissioned by the Greens has found that people are three times more likely to want the Government to build more social housing than encouraging developers to build more private homes.”
Ramsay also repeated calls for a fairer tax system to raise money and reverse chronic underspending in public services.
“A wealth tax of 1% on assets over £10 million and 2% on assets above £1 billion could raise £24 billion a year. Cutting support to disabled people while billionaires are gaining £35 million a day in wealth is indefensible. We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world – it’s time the super-rich paid up and for Labour to start taxing wealth fairly.
Adrian Ramsay MP concluded:
“From child poverty to climate breakdown, the challenges we face are not small – and neither should be our response. People want a government that invests in them, in their homes, in their services, in building a resilient future. Cuts don’t create hope. Investment does. We need public services that are fit for purpose, homes that are warm and affordable, and a tax system that serves the many, not the wealthy few.”
The post Greens denounce Labour’s Spending Review as ‘spreadsheet Britain’ and call for a ‘hopeful vision for a better future’ appeared first on Green Party.
The Green Party has said that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently going through parliament, must protect nature and build much-needed new social housing.
The call comes as analysis suggests 5,000 of England’s key natural habitats are at high risk of being destroyed by development under the Bill as it threatens to make it easier for developers to build on areas that have historically been protected under UK and international law.
Reacting to the analysis, Adrian Ramsay MP, co-leader of the Green Party, said:
“This new analysis, suggesting thousands of important wildlife sites are at risk from the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, should serve as a wake-up call. Nature in the UK is already in serious decline, with one in six species at risk of extinction, and species declining by 19% since 1970.
“This Bill is dangerous, giving the green light for developers to pursue profit rather than meet the needs of people for homes and nature for protection. But we can have safe, warm homes in the communities we love at a price we can afford, and look after nature.”
Ramsay added:
“We can and we must tackle both the housing crisis and the nature crisis but as it stands, the legislation fails on both counts. It clearly weakens nature protection while doing precisely nothing to ensure that new housing is genuinely affordable. The government has refused to specify social housing targets, and has given developers a license to bulldoze nature.
“The government needs to be tougher, requiring developers to build a higher proportion of genuinely affordable homes to rent and to buy. We need the right homes, in the right place, at the right price. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill must ensure this.
“We need to strengthen the role of neighbourhood plans, giving local people opportunities to demand more social homes – affordable homes that people actually need – and listening to them when they raise concerns about threats to nature and green spaces. We all need nature in our backyards.”
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Reacting to the third consecutive day in which Palestinians in Gaza have been gunned down by Israeli defence forces as they tried to access food aid, Ellie Chowns MP, Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said:
“Having bombed people in their homes or tents as they sleep; shelled hospitals where people are being treated or schools where they seek shelter, the Israeli defence forces are now wreaking untold carnage, gunning hungry Palestinians down as they try to collect food aid they’ve been denied for weeks.
“Two weeks ago, we heard lots of bluster from the Labour government about how awful and unacceptable the situation in Gaza was, but the concrete action pledged by Keir Starmer hasn’t materialised. It’s time for action, not more words – Israel has crossed too many red lines.
“The government must call for an immediate ceasefire and denounce Israel’s atrocities for what they are – genocide. They must now end all arms sales to the country, impose a wide range of sanctions and call for the arrest and trial of all those guilty of war crimes – including prime minister Netanyahu.”
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Reacting to the Strategic Defence Review and Keir Starmer’s speech earlier today outlining the government’s defense spending plans, Ellie Chowns MP, who holds the defence brief for the Parliamentary Green Party, said:
“Keir Starmer is sounding like he is on a war path with his “battle-ready, armour-clad nation” rhetoric. Security is not just based on arms expenditure and threats, but on real leadership that uses diplomacy and development too. There must be a real commitment to an international order based on human rights, equality and genuine cooperation.
“To avoid the horrors of war and armed conflict, we need to look at the deeper causes of insecurity, including poverty and climate breakdown. This is why the Green Party strongly supports the restoration of the international aid budget to at least 0.7% of GNI. And we will continue to argue that real patriotism means ending UK-made weapons or components being sold to dictators, human rights abusers or for use against civilians anywhere in the world.
“The prime minister has talked up the boost to jobs and the economy through increased defence expenditure, but there are many more jobs of the future to be created right now in the clean, green – and peaceful – economy, a sector growing four times faster than the rest of the economy. This is where the government’s focus for investment should be if they are serious about a secure and resilient future.”
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In anticipation of the outcome of the strategic defence review being published today, Ellie Chowns MP, who holds the defence brief for the Parliamentary Green Party, said:
“We acknowledge the need for greater defence spending and continued NATO membership, but also call for a more thorough reappraisal of strategic defence alliances. With Trump no longer a reliable ally, we need to deepen our defence cooperation with the EU, and review AUKUS.
“A Green approach to security is not based on arms and threats, but on the three Ds: diplomacy and development as well as defence. Defence policy should not be a simple competition over spending, but based on real commitment to an international order based on human rights, equality and genuine cooperation.
“If we are to avoid the horror of war, we need to look at the deeper causes of insecurity, including poverty and climate change. We strongly support the restoration of the international aid budget to at least 0.7% of GNI, with a considerable proportion spent on climate action.
“And we will continue to argue that real patriotism means to stand against UK-made weapons or components being sold to dictators, human rights abusers or for use against civilians anywhere in the world.”
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The four Green MPs yesterday wrote to the Foreign Secretary to clarify the Government’s position on the risk of genocide in Gaza.
Ellie Chowns said:
“The UK has an obligation to prevent genocide under international law. We know the Government has not described the Israeli government’s assault on Palestinians in Gaza as a genocide – the Prime Minister keeps telling us. But has it actually assessed the risk? And what will it take for the Government to recognise that obligation and act on it to prevent genocide? The Green MPs have written to David Lammy to get answers.
“The humanitarian and human rights situation in Gaza is dire. Israel’s government has cut off aid in Northern Gaza, and is now forcibly displacing the population from the North. The huge numbers of civilian deaths and the prospect of widespread starvation are intolerable.
“The Government must recognise that its approach has failed. It must take seriously the risk of genocide. And it must consider far more direct measures to incentivise a ceasefire including an end to arms sales, the introduction of divestments, boycotts and sanctions, prosecutions for all those who have committed war crimes and a plan for a viable Palestinian state.”
NOTES
Full text of the letter: https://elliechowns.org.uk/2024/11/13/letter-to-the-foreign-secretary/
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Responding to briefings on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Mansion House speech on pension funds reform, Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay MP said:
“Chancellor Rachel Reeves needs to quickly set out the details of her headline-grabbing plans to create mega-pension funds to ensure that they provide the investment we need to urgently transition our economy beyond fossil fuels, as well as offering members who rely on them full financial, environmental and ethical protections.
“The legal changes being proposed are aimed at freeing up billions to invest in infrastructure. We need to ensure that this is directed towards the climate-resilient infrastructure we so urgently need, particularly renewable energy, the national grid, the electrification of our railways and nature restoration.
“Many local authority pension schemes have developed sophisticated ethical policies aimed at protecting members’ money from being invested in environmentally harmful industries. The new megafunds must enshrine these existing policies as minimum standards.
“If and when different schemes are brought together, legislation must ensure that merged schemes deliver stronger environmental and other ethical protections and are not dragged down into investments in climate-damaging infrastructure such as airport expansions or fossil fuel companies’ greenwashing schemes.
“We will also be looking for security for all the pensioners who rely on these funds. We must remember that pension funds are essentially made up of people’s hard-earned wages deferred to retirement. We cannot afford to have a handful of so-called mega-funds that increase risks.”
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Reacting to Keir Starmer’s public address at COP29 where he announced a new climate target for the UK to reduce the country’s emissions by 81% by 2035 against 1990 levels, Green MP Ellie Chowns said:
“The announcement of an 81% cut in emissions by 2035 is welcome – we need to remove fossil fuels from our economy as rapidly as possible.
“However, the transition to clean energy needs to be matched by moves on energy reduction. We need a mass home insulation programme and large-scale investment in public transport and active travel. Instead, we have seen Labour downgrade the retrofitting of homes, fail to make solar panels on new builds mandatory, hike bus fares by 50% and offer only loose change for walking and cycling.
“Keir Starmer says he will not tell people how to live their lives, but he can put in place policies to support us to make changes that reduce emissions, cut bills and improve our health and wellbeing. This must involve every government department being laser focused on achieving our climate targets.”
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Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer MP urged world leaders to attend COP29 next week to underline its critical importance:
“COP29 has set itself the goal of “deep, rapid and sustained emission reductions now to keep temperatures under control and stay below 1.5˚C, while leaving no one behind’.
“But it won’t achieve that without the international leadership needed from Heads of State, Presidents and Prime Ministers.
“I welcome the fact that Sir Keir Starmer will attend. The UK has the opportunity and responsibility as the first industrial nation on Earth to provide the leadership for a just transition.
“We need the Prime Minister to show leadership on the world stage, by ensuring COP29 commits to:
- Urgently transition away from fossil fuels
- Provide the equitable and just finance promised for adaptation and mitigation, and to fund the loss and damage many are already experiencing as a result of climate impacts
“Unfinanced is unprepared and we are both.
“Of course, these are incredibly difficult times internationally, with the European Union stalling on its actions and President-elect Trump, a climate crisis denier, once again stalking the world stage.
“But that is why it is so important that the UK steps forward to remind the world what is at stake if co-ordinated international action does not take place now.
“New scientific evidence shows global average temperatures are on track this year to end up more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, making 2024 the first calendar year to breach this crucial target. (1)l
“We need international leadership now more than ever to tackle the climate crisis. We are getting leadership from the scientists, but too many of the world’s political leaders are ducking their responsibility.”
Among national leaders not attending the UN conference in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11- 22 November are those from the US, China, France, Brazil, South Africa, Japan and Australia, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
NOTES TO EDITORS
(1) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1dpnxnvv2go
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Responding to the US elections, Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer, said,
“A dangerous bigot, bully, and liar is once again set to become the leader of the most powerful country in the world. A climate change denier, a proud racist and misogynist, and a man who has sought to subvert elections and incite insurrection.
On this dark day, we stand in solidarity with all U.S. citizens who fear a convicted criminal and a fascist in the White House. And we stand with all those around the world who dreaded this moment and must now live with its consequences, including those in Gaza and Ukraine.
Together, those of us who believe in democracy must work together to overcome authoritarianism and the politics of hate.”
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Greens call on chancellor to:
- Raise taxes on the very wealthiest to help fund a better future for everyone
- Avoid more austerity by another name
Ahead of today’s Budget, co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“We need to see Labour use this opportunity to make some bold decisions.
“Fourteen years of Tory underinvestment in our NHS, our schools, care for our elderly loved ones have left our public services crumbling around us and in a state of crisis. We deserve better. We demand better.
“It’s clear that the country just can’t afford more austerity under a different name. Labour campaigned on a manifesto of change – so now it’s time to deliver.
“Real change that people will see around them in a tangible way – in the hospitals they visit when they’re ill, in their kids’ education, in affordable and reliable bus services to get around.
“Real change is a political choice. The money to fund our public services is available. By taxing the very wealthiest a little more we can fund a better future for everyone.
“Let’s see if Labour can deliver.”
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Ahead of the Labour government’s first Budget on Wednesday, Green Party Council leaders are warning of the urgent need for proper funding for local councils and services, after many years of damaging austerity.
Local Government Association analysis shows that service spending in 2022/23 was 42.1% lower than it would have been had service spend moved in line with cost and demand pressures since 2010/11. This means that councils have made £24.5 billion in service cuts and efficiencies over this period [1].
Local councils deliver a huge range of statutory services, from child protection to waste and recycling services and temporary accommodation. They are also uniquely placed for real action on achieving net zero and to protect and restore other services vital to health and wellbeing in the community such as sports, arts, leisure and green spaces.
Tony Dyer, Green leader of Bristol City Council, said:
“Local Government provides many of our most essential services, from social care, to education and affordable housing. After years of cuts, if we do not see a real terms increase in local government funding then these services will falter and our communities will suffer.
“We desperately need a boost to our funding to enable proper resourcing of core and statutory services, especially those creating the most pressure on council finances such as adult social care, children services such as SEND, and temporary accommodation provision.”
Caroline Topping, Green leader of East Suffolk Council, said:
“As Green Party leaders of local Councils, we welcome the new government’s manifesto commitment to multiyear funding settlements and an end to wasteful competitive bidding, which has stressed already overstretched officer capacity and council resources. Even successful bids have often come with strings attached and time scales that hamper delivery. We expect and look forward to a completely new relationship which puts council funding on a secure and sustainable footing.”
Emily O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems on Green-led Lewes District Council, said:
“Funding for council-led home insulation programmes is an example of the win-win that Councils can help deliver – cutting both carbon emissions and household energy bills. We have worked hard with neighbouring Councils to maximise insulation with the limited resources we have. National funding will immediately accelerate this and deliver savings and comfort to our tenants.”
Ellie Chowns, Green MP for North Herefordshire and former cabinet member for environment, economy and skills on Herefordshire Council, said:
“After so many years of austerity, local councils absolutely need the funding to deliver those basic services which everyone uses. Getting the basics right at local level is essential for the government to deliver on bigger national plans. Now is the time for a new government to set a new course for renewed investment in local public services.”
Notes
[1] Further funding cuts for councils would be disastrous; urgent funding and reform is needed | Local Government Association
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Responding to the news (BBC) that a new independent commission will soon launch the largest review of the water industry since privatisation in the 1980s, Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer said,
“Water is a basic human need. It should be in public hands run for people, not profit. I don’t know why Labour won’t even consider this.”
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Responding to the news that Labour is planning to build HS2 from London to Crewe (LBC), Green Party Transport Spokesperson, Matt Edwards, said,
“A high-speed rail line connecting only the suburbs of London to Birmingham was the worst of all worlds. The Green Party welcomes the investment in our railways, but this is just one part of the puzzle, and the Labour government needs to ramp up investment in better rail connections across the North of England and connect the cities across the North of England to high-speed rail.”
“Transport is still one of the biggest sources of emissions in the UK and high-speed rail is vital if we want to achieve Net Zero because it will free up overcrowded rail lines like the West Coast Mainline for more local services. But it needs to be done in the right way to protect the local environment.”
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Responding to the news that putting household rubbish in giant incinerators to make electricity is now the dirtiest way the UK generates power (BBC), Green Party Peer Baroness Jenny Jones said,
“I highlighted the issue of incineration stopping councils from recycling back in 2010 when I was on the London Assembly. This became a national issue about 10 years ago when local authorities across the country started to treat waste as a fuel, rather than a valuable source that could be reused or recycled.
“Unless we have a complete moratorium on new incinerators and start to close down existing ones, we will not meet either of the government’s big targets. You can’t burn oil in the form of plastic and meet the target of Net Zero emissions in 2050; nor can you sign up local authorities to 20 year contracts to burn waste and expect them to recycle 65% of waste by 2030. The last government was finally waking up to the direct contradiction between environment and incineration, I hope this government will say no more incineration and put this big mistake into reverse.”
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Green Party MP for North Herefordshire, Ellie Chowns said: “Starmer’s pledge to investors that he will “cut red tape” is a tired cliché that, in practice, too often means harming environmental standards and workers’ rights. We’ve had fourteen years of successive Conservative governments promising to “cut red tape,” and all we have to show for it is a flatlining economy and falling living standards. If Starmer is serious about attracting investment to the UK, he will need a bolder approach that delivers on the “change” he promised in his election campaign. He could start by re-evaluating our relationship with our biggest trading partner, the European Union.”
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Reacting to the government announcement of investment in carbon capture and storage projects, Green MP and party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Labour has spent too long listening to the pleadings of energy companies for major public investment in unproven technological solutions like carbon capture that simply won’t deliver the immediate real change we need.
“This announcement is no substitute for the urgent and immediate investment needed in home and business insulation to cut energy use and the increased renewables funding that is badly needed to meet future energy needs.”
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Responding to the increasingly dangerous situation in the Middle East, Sian Berry MP said:
“We are deeply alarmed at last night’s attacks on Israel and the invasion of Lebanon, all of which show a growing escalation of the conflict. We express our solidarity with civilians under attack everywhere, whether in Israel, Lebanon, Gaza or elsewhere and demand that all sides de-escalate this dangerous and mounting conflict.
“The failure of the US, UK and others to address Israel’s impunity when breaching international law has made this escalation inevitable. Only by creating the incentives needed for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, prosecuting all actors who have perpetrated war crimes as charged by the ICC prosecutor and by seriously advancing the prospects of a Palestinian state can this dangerous situation be resolved.
“The diplomacy of phone calls and statements is not enough. The UK needs to consider much more direct measures including ending arms sales to oblige all parties immediately to cease military action. All those responsible for attacks on civilians, which is a war crime, must face accountability.”
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Commenting on the escalating situation in the Middle East and on the invasion of Lebanon by Israeli defence forces, Sian Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:
“The invasion and attacks on Lebanon by Israel, causing the deaths of over a thousand people and displacement of a million others, are horrific and devastating. The Green Party demands a permanent bilateral ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, a full arms embargo on Israel, and the prosecution of all actors who have perpetrated war crimes as charged by the ICC Prosecutor.
“The international community has a moral and legal duty to hold all accountable – Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran – for their crimes in this escalating tragedy. There can be no excuse for the UK Government failing to uphold international law and to use any of the diplomatic levers it has available to bring about a ceasefire now.”
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Commenting on the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station today, Green MP Carla Denyer said:
“The end of coal-fired energy generation is an important step on the long road to tackling the climate crisis.
“Thousands of people have been employed at Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station over the half-century it has been working. It has played an important role in the life of communities and the wider East Midlands economy.
“This will be a vital test of how the government supports the green transformation of every sector of our economy – fast and fairly – to meet the needs of the environment and future generations.
“Plans to clear the site and replace the power station with a zero-carbon energy and technology park must become a reality, offering well-paid, secure jobs.”
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Reacting to a motion on winter fuel payments put forward by the Unite union and supported by a majority of delegates at Labour Party conference, co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said:
“Today’s vote at Labour Party conference leaves Labour ministers out in the cold. There is a groundswell of support – from opposition parties, unions, many Labour MPs, health workers, disability groups, charities supporting pensioners, as well as others – for ensuring millions of pensioners keep warm this winter.
“Targeting some of the most vulnerable to fix the supposed black hole in the public finances is cruel and unnecessary.
“There is another way. A fairer way. As the successful motion by Unite makes clear, taxing multi-millionaires and billionaires a little more would not only easily cover the cost of winter fuel payments for all pensioners but also generate additional funds for much needed investment in our health and social care services.”
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Responding to Keir Starmer’s speech on Lord Darzi’s review of the state of the NHS, co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay MP, said:
“The Darzi review pulls no punches: the NHS has been harmed by austerity, capital starvation, the disastrous 2012 Health and Social Care Act and the dire state of social care.
“It is therefore hugely disappointing to see Labour, like a string of previous Conservative and Labour governments, hooked on reform rather than investment.
“Starmer says there can be no money without reform. We say there can be no improvement to waiting times, cancer death rates, treatment for mental health – and many other struggling areas – without more money.
“We agree that we cannot ask working people to foot the bill through higher taxes. But it is fair to ask the super-rich to pay a little more through wealth taxes. This could generate billions towards the investment the NHS is crying out for.
“‘Reform’ has in the past been used as a stalking-horse for privatisation. The Green Party completely rejects privatisation and fragmentation of the NHS. Private companies are focused on creaming off profits which can result in degraded services and more people not getting the treatment they need from the NHS.
“We must avoid a two-tier health service where those who can afford to go private to get treated do, while those who can’t don’t. The NHS was designed to serve all free at the point of use and this must remain its core mission.”
“We welcome a focus on helping our nation back to health. This can help heal our NHS. But again, improving public health will require investment in those things which lead to improved physical and mental health such as quality housing, good jobs, infrastructure for active travel and healthy food. Greens have always supported working to improve health rather than just treating sickness.”
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Reacting to the announcement by the UK government that it will grant Tata Steel £500m towards the cost of building a greener electric furnace in Port Talbot, but that around 2,800 workers are set to be made redundant, Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter said:
“This is the first test of the new Labour government’s commitment to a just green transition that protects jobs and the environment – and it has been found wanting.
“I’ve spoken with countless families around Port Talbot who have shared with me their distress and fears for the future, not just those directly employed but in the wider supply chain.
“Labour promised a new approach during the General Election. It raised hopes across the steel industry – here in South Wales and in the North East of England – that the necessary and urgent move to cleaner production methods could be achieved without devastating communities.
“We know only too well how mining communities suffered when successive Tory governments shut pits without plans in place for new jobs. Labour should have learnt those lessons.
“The private companies are to get huge taxpayer subsidies without any guarantees that they will protect and create skilled, well-paid, secure jobs for the future.
“The Green Party knows that can be achieved. Our steel communities need the long-term commitment and political will that this Labour government lacks.
“By 2030, the European Union is expected to be home to nearly 50 green and low-carbon steel projects, facilitated by governments working together to deliver a planned strategy to move away from fossil fuels.
“Yet, this new government shuns joining with partners across the EU in a green industrial revolution.
“Transitioning to a green economy could create up to a million jobs. To achieve that, we need a government in Westminster and the Senedd that is willing to use its full powers – including bringing vital industries like steel into public ownership.
“Today was Labour’s chance to show that it is prepared to lead. Sadly, it has fallen short.”
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The Green Party has voted at its Manchester conference to recognise the Israeli government as an “apartheid” state, as defined by international treaties such as the International Convention on Apartheid (1973) and Rome Statute (1998).
The conference also voted to recognise Israeli military operations in Gaza as a “genocide” as defined under the UN Genocide Convention (1948).
Ellie Chowns, Green Party MP for North Herefordshire, said: “We don’t use terms like genocide or apartheid lightly, but they are a sad reflection of the atrocities being carried out by the Israeli State.
“This motion reflects International Humanitarian Law, including the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, and it is essential that British political parties unequivocally uphold these basic minimum standards of international law.”
The conference also reaffirmed support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign.
Ellie Chowns said: “We will only see an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East when there are clear incentives for all involved in the war in Gaza to agree to a ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an end to the occupation.
“We will press the UK government to step up its actions, including suspending all arms export licenses to Israel, and full co-operation with the actions of the international courts.
“Without an agreement, the intolerable death toll in Gaza will continue to rise, the hostages will be at greater risk and there will be an increased chance of sleepwalking into a larger regional war.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The motion passed by Green Party conference reads:
Insert the following into our Record of Policy Statements
Recognise Israeli Regime as an “Apartheid” and Amend Policies for a Sustainable Society in the International Section following IP634:
The Green Party recognises and condemns Israel’s policies as apartheid, based on international treaty and customary law, including, most notably, but not limited to:
- International Convention on Apartheid (1973) and Rome Statute (1998): Israel’s practices, including extrajudicial killings, severe movement restrictions, discriminatory laws, and economic exploitation, align with apartheid definitions.
- International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965): Israel’s racial segregation and discrimination violate this treaty, which Israel ratified in 1979.
We call for an end to all forms of apartheid and equal rights for all. The term “apartheid” accurately describes the institutionalised regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over another, as identified by international human rights bodies and legal experts.
- Recognise Israel’s Genocide and Use the term “Genocide”:
The Green Party condemns genocide per the UN Genocide Convention (1948):
- Acts qualifying as genocide: Israeli military operations causing civilian deaths, severe mental and physical harm, life conditions threatening Palestinian survival, and policies disrupting Palestinian family life and heritage.
As of 2024, the systematic violence and restrictions on Palestinians meet the criteria for genocide. This motion ensures our positions comply with international law and our commitment to justice and human rights.
- Affirm Green Party’s Support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Movement:
The Green Party should have included its explicit support for the BDS Palestine Movement in the 2024 manifesto. We affirm our commitment to explicitly supporting BDS in our internal and external communications going forward. Supporting the BDS movement is essential to holding Israel accountable, to supporting Palestinians’ rights to equality and self-determination, and to demonstrating that our support, as a nation, is not performative. Israel should not be able to profit from its apartheid regime or its unlawful occupation of Palestinian land. If the UK Government has learned anything from its failure to support BDS during South African Apartheid, it must be that the impact of applying political pressure is nothing without an economic response. Anti-apartheid promises are hollow if nothing is done to reform the institutions that fund apartheid regimes. The UK Government must not make the same mistakes again.
ENDS
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Delegates at Green Party conference in Manchester have voted for HS2 to be funded and completed in full, including the entire Eastern leg and an underground through station at Manchester Piccadilly. The policy development comes as phase one of HS2 between London and Birmingham is well under construction.
Commenting on the revised Green Party policy, co-leader Carla Denyer MP, said:
“The Green Party has long supported the principle of a new north-south high-speed rail line but had serious concerns about the specific route of HS2 and the environmental impacts of this route.
“However, this first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham is well under way and most of the environmental impacts of construction are already baked in. So this is a pragmatic decision by the Green Party. It moves us on.
“Crucially, we have also acknowledged that the northern leg of HS2 was always the most important in terms of tackling capacity issues on our railways as well as addressing regional inequalities. So the line must be completed in full.
“We also say loud and clear that our railways have to be built right – for habitats and wildlife, for local transport users, for affected neighbours and for government coffers. Greens will not support blank cheques or offer uncritical endorsement.
“We need to move at great speed to shift travel away from cars and flights to public transport. HS2, in full, can play an important role in achieving this shift.”
Green Party spokesperson on transport Councillor Matt Edwards, who is leader of the Green Group on Bradford Council, added:
“I am delighted that the Green Party conference has also backed Northern Powerhouse Rail, a high-speed rail line from Liverpool to Manchester and onwards to Bradford and Leeds and then the east coast. Successive governments have failed to invest in the rail network in the North of England and the Green Party have long advocated for the investment communities in the North deserve.
“Pollution and carbon emissions from transport remains stubbornly high. If we want to do something to address this, we need to invest in high-speed rail – but it has to be done right. Putting passengers and our planet at the heart of the project.”
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The Green Party has voted to oppose the introduction of Freeports and Special Economic Zones across the United Kingdom at it’s annual party conference in Manchester.
Commenting Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay said: “There is no place for Freeports or Special Economic Zones in the United Kingdom. Their introduction will only serve to displace economic activity from elsewhere whilst reducing tax revenue that is so desperately needed for our broken public services. The lack of transparency in decision making and reductions in environmental, planning and employment legislation are all factors that should alarm every UK citizen.”
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At their conference in Manchester, Green delegates today voted to support an immediate ban on greyhound racing and the use of the whip in horse racing. This is alongside a high compulsory levy to be imposed on all betting, to be used solely for welfare improvements, and a single regulatory authority to enforce animal welfare standards.
Co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“We are the first party to pledge to ban greyhound racing, a position supported by the RSPCA, Dog’s Trust, Blue Cross, and a majority of the public.
“Preventing greyhounds from being raced for the benefit of the betting industry and commercial gain would bring an end to the unnecessary deaths and suffering of these dogs.
“Approximately 200 horses die every year from horse racing [2]. Banning the use of the whip is a basic step for animal welfare. Equally the horse racing industry needs to answer how it will stop the shocking number of deaths it’s industry causes that no one wants to see.
“These measures would also help reduce the harm caused by problem gambling.”
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At its party conference in Manchester, the Greens have voted to support United Nations experts’ calls for the Taliban’s treatment of women to be recognised as a gender apartheid under international law and as a crime against humanity.
The party endorsed Amnesty International’s demands of the UK government to:
- Consult with women-led organisations in Afghanistan
- Support Afghan women’s rights activists
- Ensure that protecting women’s rights is non-negotiable with the Taliban
- Provide safe passage for Afghan women and girls seeking asylum in the UK.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Afghanistan, women have been systematically erased from society, being ordered against leaving their homes without a male relative, banned from secondary education, and banned from working in most sectors.
“Last month, women were ordered to cover their entire bodies in public, banned from looking directly at men they are not related to, and banned from speaking in public. This is a humanitarian crisis, and the Green Party stands in solidarity with the 14 million women and girls trapped in this brutal gender apartheid.”
“Although the UK government does not recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, through the UK Mission to Afghanistan we have a unique opportunity to advocate for Afghan women. We must use this opportunity to provide both support for women-led organisations in Afghanistan and those seeking asylum.”
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The Green Party has adopted new policy at its Manchester Autumn conference calling for a clear regulatory framework that will drive the development and uses of AI in ways that put the interests of people and planet first.
This includes the appointment of an Ombudsman to champion the rights of individuals and groups in the coming AI revolution, and certification of energy and water consumption to force improvements in these areas.
Proposer, Graham Tavener said: “The likely impact of AI on our lives now, and in the near future, demands serious and urgent action.
“AI should be of great benefit, but there are risks too. We need regulation now to control its potential to take over our lives.”
Green MP Carla Denyer said: “The government needs to be pushed to get ahead of the rapid development of AI so it is democratically regulated.
“We need to prohibit certain uses of AI by law, including lethal autonomous weapons systems. We also need a regulator with the powers to ensure workers’ rights and interests are respected when AI leads to significant changes in working conditions.”
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Responding to David Lammy’s statement to the Commons in which he said that the UK is to suspend 30 arms export licences to Israel after a review found a “clear risk” that UK arms may be used in serious violation of humanitarian law, Ellie Chowns MP said:
“Green MPs have long called for a suspension of arms exports to Israel. The Foreign Secretary’s announcement today is therefore a welcome and significant step, but leaves vital questions unanswered.
“Primarily, why are so many licences exempt from this suspension? I am very concerned that the Government is not consistently applying the principle that there is a clear risk of UK licensed weapons being used in breach of international humanitarian law. The justification for continuing to licence F-35s is no justification at all. There is an ongoing and clear risk and we urge the Foreign Secretary to look again and suspend these licenses.
“If, as he says, the Foreign Secretary takes seriously the risk of UK licensed weapons being used in breach of international humanitarian law, he must go further and suspend all export licences.”
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Responding to Keir Starmer’s speech in which he said that the Labour government has inherited a £22bn black hole in the nation’s finances, as well as a “societal black hole”, co-leader of the Green Party Carla Denyer MP said:
“Enduring more economic pain and hardship isn’t what people voted for. They were told they were voting for change. Not voting for things to get worse before they get better. Labour needs to be honest about the fact that they could choose to make things better for everyone if they were bolder and braver.
“What is being framed as tough choices is actually about political choices. People don’t need a constant reminder that the Tories broke Britain. They need a new approach, not misguided fiscal rules that are set to make things worse.
“We must generate the funds needed for investment by shifting the burden away from the poorest onto the wealthiest. Labour’s refusal to tax the super-rich shows that business as usual is very much still in business.
“Keir Starmer says the violent riots earlier this month exposed a deeply unhealthy society. But the health of a society can’t be improved if it is forced to swallow the same failed medicine. The government can choose to provide the investment our communities are crying out for. This would help create hope and unleash the goodness of people to improve their communities.”
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Responding to news that energy regulator Ofgem has raised the price cap by 9.5 per cent just before the onset of winter, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Consumers are paying high prices for a crisis not of their making. This will be deeply worrying news for all those people already struggling to pay their bills.
“The government has said that establishing GB Energy will reduce bills in the future, which would be welcome. However, that aim will only be achieved if the government invests in improving the energy efficiency of homes too.
“We need a nationwide programme of government-backed, council-delivered home insulation starting immediately to help people keep their bills down for good.
“We also now need the government to maintain the winter fuel payments for all pensioners and end means testing so that they know they can afford to keep warm.
“We could reduce bills for the long term and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by building new homes that are easier and cheaper to heat and boosting insulation in existing homes. Insulating people’s homes means they can stay warm while using less energy, save money and produce fewer harmful carbon emissions.”
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Reacting to news that the government has given the go-ahead for the expansion of London City airport, deputy leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski, said:
“This decision flies in the face of action to cut emissions. A government that fails to tackle emissions from transport fails to take serious climate action.
“Expanding London City airport puts the interests of a small wealthy elite over the wellbeing of local people and the climate. This airport operates low-efficiency planes on routes where rail is a feasible alternative.
“Prioritising clean, affordable train travel over polluting air travel is a no-brainer, but Labour have demonstrated they just don’t get it.”
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Reacting to a new Natural England report that found nature-friendly farming schemes have boosted biodiversity, co-leader of the Green Party Adrian Ramsay MP said:
“The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and we urgently need to address the enormous risk that habitat and biodiversity loss poses to our future.
“Most farmers want to do the right thing for nature and this report clearly shows that Government support for nature-friendly farming pays off. Now we need to see more of it.
“Farmers have told me they need reassurance, certainty, and easier access to funding for nature-friendly farming, so it is very disappointing that the Labour Government has so far refused to commit to maintaining the current level of support payments.
“I urge the Government to show leadership and not only commit to maintaining the current level of funding, but to listen to the many calls, including from the RSPB, National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts, for a massive increase in nature-friendly farming support.
“We do not have to have an ‘either-or’ between nature restoration and food production; with more leadership from the Government, we can achieve both.”
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Commenting on the street violence affecting communities across England, Green MP Siân Berry said:
“What we are witnessing on our streets is fascist violence fueled by racism and Islamophobia. Only by naming it and understanding clearly what it is can we work to defeat it.
“The rise of the far right and fascism has been fueled by toxic and divisive rhetoric from some in the previous government [1] We must demand better from our new government, and I hope that ministers will now step up and deliver.
“It is also important to ask what the police and security services have been doing to monitor the far right over the past decade. We have to question if a focus on monitoring Muslim citizens and climate protesters has allowed the far more sinister menace of fascism to ferment.
“We need to bring those responsible for instigating the violence to justice, but this won’t be enough to defeat an ideology which uses organised political violence to undermine our society, divide communities and compromise the state and its institutions, including the judiciary and the police.
“The engine that drives fascism is racism, so ministers need to speak up now with one voice to celebrate and defend our Muslim citizens and their place in our diverse society. The Government also needs urgently to create real new investment in supporting community cohesion.
“As Greens we stand in solidarity with our Muslim citizens, with people seeking asylum in the UK, and every community that’s been targeted, attacked or threatened by this racist violence. We commend those in the areas targeted who have united peacefully against this hate, and support community leaders and individuals who are working to bring communities together in the face of attempts to inflame divisions.”
Notes
[1] Dame Sara Khan, who worked as Rishi Sunak’s independent adviser for social cohesion, has accused politicians of using inflammatory language which has given a green light to those holding racist views: Conservatives left UK wide open to far-right violence, says former adviser | UK security and counter-terrorism | The Guardian
Other examples of divisive rhetoric fueling the far right and racism:
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said ‘The truth is that the Islamists, the extremists and the anti-Semites are in charge now.’
During the election Reform Party leader Nigel Farage said there are “a growing number of young people in this country who do not subscribe to British values, in fact loathe much of what we stand for”, when asked about Conservative plans to bring in national service for 18-year-olds. Asked during that interview on Sky News if he was referring to Muslims, Farage said: “We are.”
Former Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth said migrants are ‘”put up in hotels and they can stay in these hotels for the rest of their lives”
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Amanda Onwuemene, Green Party Spokesperson for Policing and Domestic Safety said: “The far right is using disinformation around the horrific murders of children in Southport to do what it always does: spread hatred and fear.
“The attacks on a mosque and police by fascist thugs yesterday are an appalling violation of a community that has already suffered a devastating blow.
“The Green Party condemns this violence and stands in solidarity with the people of Southport against those who seek to divide it.”
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Responding to Labour’s plans to build more homes, Adrian Ramsay, Co-Leader of the Green Party, said: “We are in a housing crisis that leaves many without the basic security of a safe and warm home”.
“This crisis though is an affordability crisis.
“There are a million empty homes, and a million homes that planners have allowed but developers haven’t built – too often in order keep prices high.
“Meanwhile, we have over a million households on council waiting lists and more than 130,000 children are growing up in temporary accommodation.
“This is why Labour’s plan to hand more power and profits to private developers is flawed.
“Where is the incentive for private developers to build the affordable and accessible homes needed?
“Instead, we will get large executive houses on greenfield sites or luxury city flats.
“Planning reform is a distraction from Labour’s failure to step up and fund the real answers to the housing crisis, including large-scale investment in truly affordable, sustainable council housing.”
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Following the release of images Manchester Airport that showed a Greater Manchester Police firearms officer striking a man twice as he lay on the ground, Green Party spokesperson on police and domestic safety, Amanda Onwuemene, said,
‘We’re horrified by the video of a man being kicked and stamped on the head whilst lying on the ground by a police officer at Manchester Airport.
“It’s deeply disturbing and there is no situation where it could be in any way justifiable.
“We’re pleased that an investigation is being held and the police must be fully transparent and accountable if they are to restore public confidence after what appears to be a clear abuse of power.’
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Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party said: “This is an important day for our country. After 14 wasted years it is a relief that we now have an Energy Secretary who understands the climate crisis and is prepared to take the action we need.
“But action on renewables will be pointless unless it goes hand in hand with the rapid transition away from North Sea oil and gas. New figures today show more oil and gas being produced, threatening to unleash nearly 12bn tonnes of planet-heating emissions, with the world’s wealthiest countries – such as the US and the UK – leading the way, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development
“Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is claiming that his plans will reduce bills but that will only be achieved if the Government invests in improving the energy efficiency of homes too. The significant cut in proposed public investment from £28bn every year to £8.3bn over the course of the parliament means energy will continue to be wasted while bills soar and the poorest households live in cold homes.
“Labour’s commitment to clean electricity by 2030 is welcome, but without urgent action on transport and home heating we won’t meet our climate targets. That is why the Green Party called for major investment in public transport and a nationwide programme of home insulation and conversion of home heating away from gas and towards electricity.”
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Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire said: “Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal who should be in front of a judge at the Hague, not being applauded by the US Congress.
“Tragically, Prime Minister Netanyahu has strong, political incentives for the war to continue. If we are to bring about the ceasefire that is so desperately needed, we must put in place real, meaningful consequences such as targeted individual sanctions on Prime Minister Netanyahu and other leaders, including of Hamas, for failing to do so, not invite him for speeches and photo opportunities.”
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Responding to the news that Labour plan to close the Bibby Stockholm, Green Party Refugee and Migration Spokesperson, Benali Hamdache, said,
“Today’s announcement to close the Bibby Stokholm is very welcome.
“The conditions there are as cruel as they are ineffective.
“It’s entirely inappropriate for people to be held in such vile conditions.
“Seeking asylum is a right that the UK should ensure is undertaken with dignity and appropriate levels of support.
“I congratulate Labour for making this move in their first weeks of administration.
“If Labour now accept the need to close the Bibby Stokholm, we hope they now also take a long hard look at other detention centres like Yarl’s Wood that inspectors have deemed “no longer safe” let alone desirable.”
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Responding to the news that President Biden is stepping down and will not run in November’s Presidential elections, Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer, said,
“We wish President Biden well and thank him for his many years of public service.
“This cannot have been an easy decision for him.
“But to take a decision that is personally difficult, but that is in the public interest, is a true sign of leadership.”
She continued, “The foundations of our democracy are under threat and this Presidential election is a pivotal moment.
“All elected representatives must be able to undertake their democratic duties without facing the threats of violence.
“Equally, showing respect for democratic results is perhaps the most fundamental cornerstone of our democratic foundations.
“All leaders must now not just abide by our democratic principles but cherish and protect them at every turn.
“It is abundantly clear that President Trump has no interest in this grave responsibility.
“My hope is that the Democratic Party can find a suitable candidate that can take on this responsibility.
“It’s not hyperbole to say that the future of democracy relies on it.”
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A Green Party spokesperson said: “We’d like to pay tribute to the brilliant work done by our councillor for Gipton and Harehills ward, Mothin Ali, in bringing calm and unity after the unrest on Thursday night. Mothin risked putting himself in harm’s way to keep the peace and worked tirelessly throughout the night to reduce tension and support the police officers that were at the scene. His courage and conviction are a shining example of the work councillors across the country do for their local communities despite having little investment in support. It’s a stark contrast to the online smears that were directed at him by those who seek only to divide communities and exploit tension and division for their own gain.”
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Green Party councillor Mothin Ali responded to Nigel Farage’s claim that the disorder in Harehills in Leeds on Thursday was the ‘politics of the sub-continent’ saying:
“Farage is in America commenting about a community he knows nothing about.
“As he has done time and time again he seeks to use tensions to further societal division for his own political gain.
“I ask him politely, to leave us alone as we undertake the work needed to bring our community back together.
“Nigel, use your voice to bring the country together, spread the idea of unity and we’ll all be the better for it, instead of trying to divide it”
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Leeds Green councillor Mothin Ali appeals for calm after disturbances in Harehills:
“I want to appeal for unity and calm after last night’s troubling scenes in Harehills, which took place when children from a local family were taken away by social services. As I have reiterated since yesterday, this is our community, and everything that was damaged last night, all the people who were left fearful, the damage done, is all a part of our neighbourhood. It’s up to all of us to take responsibility of one another and for our local infrastructure.
“I want to thank everyone who worked well into the early hours of the morning to bring peace and calm to the situation. From the local businesspeople, to my fellow councillors and community leaders, to the public service workers and everyone else who stepped in. It’s thanks to all their efforts that no one was seriously hurt.
“The scenes from last night were not a reflection of our collective community, but we must recognise the tension that has been bubbling here for some time is the consequence of rising inequalities, poverty and discrimination.
“Therefore, we must come together, including the authorities and the local community, to address these foundational issues in a constructive way. We will continue to build a brighter future for Harehills and make sure we never see scenes like last night again.
“This is a working-class area, with people living side by side belonging to many different cultures, struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, lack of resources, crime and health. We cannot give into polarisation and must instead unify to work towards a better and prosperous future for us all.
“Let’s make last night a moment for change, rather than one that further divides us.”
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Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire said: “Our thoughts today are with the families of the over 230,000 people who have died from Covid-19, the key workers who risked their lives to keep the country going and countless others who had to make terrible sacrifices when Covid-19 first struck.
“As this report lays bare the awful truth is that many of those deaths, and the subsequent lengthy lockdowns we had to endure to bring cases down, would have been avoided if better preparation had been in place. We simply can never allow these failures to be repeated.
“The grim truth is that the UK is in an even worse position to deal with a pandemic today than it was at the start of 2020. With our NHS overstretched, lengthy waiting lists and a demoralised workforce.
“The Government should commit to adopting the recommendations made by the Covid Inquiry, but just as importantly they must match our pledge to invest £30bn a year in the NHS by 2030, to ensure we have infrastructure, workforce and equipment in place that we need. The cost is miniscule compared to what will be required if another pandemic strikes whilst our health service is in its current state.”
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Reacting to the King’s Speech today, Adrian Ramsay MP said:
“Labour promised change but today it has fallen short of the urgent transformative programme we need, and which the Government has the power to deliver.
“Our four Green MPs, and the nearly two million people who voted Green in the election, want to see a bolder Labour Government that will invest in ambitious change, including to restore our essential public services and tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
“We welcome the Prime Minister resetting the tone of politics as being about public service and there were some welcome announcements in the King’s Speech, but Labour’s ambition will sadly be hampered for as long as they handcuff themselves with the Conservatives’ fiscal rules.
“Greens want action to clean up our rivers and seas by ending the failed experiment of water privatisation, the immediate scrapping of the cruel two-child benefit cap, no climate-wrecking oil and gas extraction from Rosebank, and local authorities to be given the powers to introduce controls on private rent levels. This is what a genuinely ambitious programme would look like, rather than a fixation on growth for growth’s sake which fails to recognise the big challenges.”
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Responding to the news that there will be no dedicated disability minister in government, Mags Lewis, Green Party Spokesperson for Disability said,
“Whilst it is to be welcomed that the Government finally announced the new Disability Minister late last week, it is a huge concern to see the role has been added to, or amalgamated with, the Minister for Social Security.
“This means that there will be no dedicated disability minister in government.
“Sir Stephen Timms will be the Secretary of State (Minister for Social Security and Disability), but with disability a notoriously neglected area and with us being shamefully under-represented in the House of Commons and indeed every area of government, what message does this send to the 16 million disabled people in the UK?
“Whilst disability is the responsibility of every minister and disability crosses all areas of government, such has health, DWP and social services, we need a minister with the time, focus and authority to champion the transformational change desperately needed and to see us not as a problem, but as an asset.
“Waiting over a week for a minister to be appointed, and for it to be added onto another department, sends a clear message to disabled communities that we are not a priority.
“It is only by having a dedicated and high profile minister with a cross government brief, will we see any positive change in structures and the dismal position of many disabled people in the UK.”
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The Green Party is today arguing that hundreds of thousands of children can be lifted out of poverty if Labour committed to equalising capital gains tax to pay to scrap the two-child benefit cap. The four newly elected Green MPs, will be proposing a reasoned amendment to the King’s Speech that includes the scrapping of the two-child benefit.
The IFS estimates that the cap will impact 2.63 million children by the end of this parliament and that scrapping the cap would cost in the region of £3.4billion – before taking into account the wider economic impact of poverty on health and welfare systems. In their recent manifesto, the Green Party estimated that making Capital Gains Tax fairer could raise £16bn, a move that would impact less than 2% of income taxpayers [2]. This £16bn figure is supported by research conducted by Arun Advani, a tax expert at the University of Warwick, who estimated that equalising CGT and income tax rates would raise £16.7bn a year [3].
Green MPs will tomorrow propose an amendment to propose the government scraps the two-child benefit cap. Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer MP, speaking on behalf of the Green group of MPs said,
“I think Labour are serious when they say they want to change the country. But the change they are looking to achieve will always be hamstrung for as long as they limit their own potential to raise additional revenue to spend on frontline services. The impact of this approach is already clear. Every day we have children going hungry, unable to concentrate in school or struggling to ascertain even the very basics – this is the real world impact of child poverty. And so today we’re offering Labour a positive fairer taxation that will allow them to redistribute money from some of the wealthiest to some of the very poorest. This is a political choice that they must now make.”
The IFS looked at the disparity of how the two-child benefit cap affects different families, and noted particularly the figures relating to British-Pakistani and British-Bangladeshi children saying “We estimate that 43% of children in households with one adult of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin (400,000 children) would be affected by the policy when fully rolled out, compared with 17% of children in other households (2.4 million children).”
Commenting, Green Party Work, Employment and Social Security Spokesperson, Prof Catherine Rowett said, “Scrapping the two-child benefit cap is a moral and practical imperative. It is a matter of social, economic and racial justice. Today we have outlined one way that Labour, if they had the political will, could choose to help millions of children. And child poverty blights lives and costs millions, as generations of children are condemned to lower achievement and a lifetime of poor health. When they say there is no money, remember this is a political choice – they’re ignoring the political, social and economic costs of keeping children in poverty.”
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Responding to the resignation of England Manager, Gareth Southgate, Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay, took to X (formerly Twitter) to say:
“Gareth Southgate has modelled a new form of national leadership that puts kindness and compassion at the heart of all we do.
His legacy will be one not only of extraordinary sporting achievements having secured two finals, but also one that restored a sense of real hope in our national psyche.
I wish him all the very best in what he goes onto next.”
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Responding to the news that the Welsh First Minister, Vaughan Gething, has resigned, Wales Green Party Leader, Anthony Slaughter said, “After over three months of chaos at the heart of Welsh Government the news that Vaughan Gething has finally resigned following the resignation of four ministers this morning is to be welcomed, but questions must be asked as to why this situation was tolerated for so long, damaging and undermining devolution and our democracy.
“At a time when Wales faces multiple crises, not least the ongoing situation at Port Talbot, there has been an absence of any real and meaningful direction from a government too busy squabbling amongst itself.
“The First Minister has been mired in scandal and controversy since day one of his appointment and his continuous arrogant dismissal of any questions reflects the complacency at the heart of a Welsh Labour Government that does not welcome scrutiny.
“This highlights the need for new voices in the Senedd, which is why we are determined to get elected Green representation at the Senedd in 2026, Green MS’s who will hold the government to account, demanding transparency and proper scrutiny.
“It’s time for the chaos in Cardiff Bay to stop. Wales deserves better.”
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Following the tragic death of four more people in the channel, Green Party Migration and Refugee Spokesperson, Benali Hamdache, said:
“The loss of life is a tragedy and acts as stark reminder why we need safe and legal routes for those seeking asylum.
“Today The Green Party is reiterating our call to reinstate the Dubs refugee scheme that allowed unaccompanied child refugees with family connections to the UK to settle here.
“This is absolutely the first step that Labour could take. In 2017 Yvette Cooper described the closure of the Dubs scheme as “shameful” and we agree it was. And so today we call on her to take immediate action to reinstate this scheme at the earliest possible opportunity.”
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In the wake of unfounded reports that Ed Miliband will announce a ban on new drilling in the North Sea [1], co-leader and MP for Bristol Central, Carla Denyer, has urged the energy secretary to do just that, and “send a clear signal to the fossil fuel industry that they have no future in the UK.” Denyer said:
“It didn’t take long for the right wing press to come out waving the banner for the fossil fuel industry together with the usual round of scare stories about a dent to the economy and tax revenues if we don’t continue to burn oil and gas. Those cheerleading for oil and gas corporations must not be allowed to derail us from the path towards a green transition. That is where our future prosperity and thousands of good new jobs lies. We need to seize the opportunities that greening the economy will bring.
“This is a test to see how brave and bold Labour will be and whether they will send a clear signal to the fossil fuel industry that they have no future in the UK. Ed Miliband certainly should ban all future licences for new North Sea oil and gas fields, and do so immediately.
“The Green Party would like to see him go further by revoking the licence for Rosebank which has the potential for producing around 500 million climate-wrecking barrels of oil. We would also like to see a carbon tax on polluters to help drive the transition to cleaner and cheaper renewable sources of energy.”
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Responding to the publication of OFWAT’s a draft verdict on water companies’ five-year spending plans and bill increases to 2030, Green Party MP, Sian Berry said:
“We’re today calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to put all water companies into public hands.
“The provision of such a basic human right should not be based on profit.
“The idea that water companies will hike bills while so many people are struggling to get to the end of the month is horrific. Meanwhile, some companies, like Thames Water, are still paying shareholder dividends, which is deplorable.
“Public ownership is a matter of both social and environmental principle. But, as today’s verdict from OFWAT shows, it is also a pragmatic necessity.
“Why not take decisive action and show real leadership by saying that all water companies should be in public hands?
“Once this is done, government can invest affordably in the creaking infrastructure without all the harm falling onto our bills, and into our rivers and oceans that are currently being treated as open sewers.”
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The four newly elected Green Party Members of Parliament, Sian Berry MP, Ellie Chowns MP, Adrian Ramsay MP, and Carla Denyer MP, arrived at Parliament today, marking a significant moment in the party’s history after they quadrupled their representation in the Commons at the elections. The MPs pledged to hold the Labour government to account, urging them to adopt bold and necessary changes to improve Britain.
In their opening move, the Green Party MPs have laid out a clear and achievable ten-step plan, which they describe as a “litmus test for the direction this government plans to travel.” These steps, the Greens argue, are essential for demonstrating the Labour government’s commitment to serious and progressive change within their first 100 days in office.
Ellie Chowns MP commented after their arrival in parliament that “We are here to ensure that the Labour government doesn’t just talk the talk about change but walks the walk. Our ten steps are practical, achievable, and necessary and can all easily be delivered within 100 days with political will. They will stand as a signpost for whether Labour are serious about changing Britain for good. Our message today is that we will be relentless in both holding them to account and driving forward positive good ideas.”
The 10 steps the Greens say the new Labour Government must take in its first 100 days:
- Settle a Pay Deal with Junior Doctors: Properly value their work and ensure fair compensation.
- Remove the Two-Child Benefit Cap: End this policy to support families more equitably.
- Prosecute Major Water Companies: Bring criminal charges against companies persistently discharging sewage into rivers and seas.
- Mandatory Solar Panels and Wind Power: Make solar panels compulsory on new suitable homes and reverse the de-facto ban on onshore wind projects.
- Local Rail Link Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan to reopen local rail links to enhance connectivity.
- Emergency Dentistry Summit: Address the urgent crisis in dental care with an emergency summit.
- Restore Public Sector Workers’ Right to Strike: Re-establish the right to strike and improve public-sector workers’ conditions.
- Recognise the State of Palestine: Officially recognise Palestine and end arms sales to countries at risk of violating international law.
- Introduce a Natural History GCSE: Enrich education by including a natural history course in the curriculum.
- Strengthen Renters’ Rights: End no-fault evictions and provide local authorities with new powers to control rents.
Adrian Ramsay MP and Co-Leader of The Green Party emphasised the importance of these steps, stating, “These are not lofty ideals but practical actions that can be implemented quickly. They will have a real, positive impact on people’s lives and the environment. I am delighted that as we meet to enter parliament Labour have already committed to reversing the de facto ban on onshore wind. Now they must go further and faster still and make solar power mandatory on all suitable new build homes. They can, and they must do this in their first 100 days.”
Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer MP added, “We have a clear mandate from our voters to push for these changes. Every one of our record-breaking number of Green votes was one for real hope and real change. We will push Labour every day to make sure we see the transformation of Britain that we are all so desperate to see, that our frontline workers are paid properly, that our public transport is fit for purpose and that we have a foreign policy built for peace not profit.”
Sian Berry MP concluded, “Today we carry on the work of Caroline Lucas but with the strength of four times the number of voices in the House of Commons. Today is a new beginning. Greens will work tirelessly to ensure that the Labour government is bolder and does better than its promises. The country needs it to deliver more affordable and comfortable council homes, give local authorities the power to introduce rent controls, and do more to support those struggling every day to get by.”
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Responding to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech to investors and developers today, Green Party Co-leader, and Green MP for Waveney Valley, Adrian Ramsay, said:
“Labour is right to identify the housing crisis and the need create the infrastructure needed to reach net zero as priorities for the new government.
“We will support Labour when it gets it right, and also offer alternatives when Labour is going off track.
“There is a better, fairer, greener way to build the houses we need for people.
“And there is better, fairer, greener way to create the infrastructure we need to meet the urgent need to shift our economy away from fossil fuels to renewables.
“Neither involves writing blank cheques for profit-motivated developers or trampling over the rights of local communities.
“Labour should look at our Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter (1).
“This sets out how we can build affordable homes to buy and new council housing to rent. These need to be ecologically sustainable homes for the future with good public transport links, and the access to GP surgeries and schools that every community needs to thrive.
“These are not the homes being built today, which are out of the reach of too many people and do not come with the services that every community needs.
“Labour is right to end the de facto ban on onshore wind, but the new infrastructure that will be required to help us get to net zero as soon as possible, must not run roughshod over local communities.
“We need to take people with us as we transition to a new green economy. Green investment done the right way is a win for communities and the planet. That includes community ownership of new renewables.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
Providing Fairer, Greener Homes for All
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The Green Party has laid down the first 10 steps the new Labour government’s must take in their first 100 days to show they’re serious about changing Britain. These steps Greens say will act as a “litmus test for the direction this government plans to travel”.
The ten steps that Greens have laid out are clear but easily achievable reforms. They are:
- Settle a pay deal with the Junior Doctors that properly values their work
- Remove the two-child benefit cap
- Bring criminal charges against Southern Water, Northumbrian Water, South West Water, United Utilities, Thames Water, Wessex Water Anglian Water, Severn Trent and Yorkshire Water for persistent discharge of sewage into our rivers and seas.
- Make solar panels compulsory on all new suitable homes and reverse the de-facto ban on onshore wind.
- Produce a plan for local rail links that could be reopened
- Call an emergency dentistry summit
- Restore the right to strike to public-sector workers
- Recognise the state of Palestine and end arms sales to all countries where there’s a serious risk of them being used in breach of international law
- Introduce a natural history GCSE
- End no fault evictions and strengthen renters rights, including new powers to local authorities to control rents
Commenting, Green Party Co-Leader and newly elected MP for Bristol Central, Carla Denyer said,
“Keir Starmer promised change. And so today we’ve outlined a sketch of what immediate change looks like. It means valuing our frontline NHS workers, taking immediate steps towards lasting peace in Israel and Palestine, turbo-charging the renewables revolution and much more. These are issues where the public is demanding change and they are things this next Labour government could, and should, deliver in their first 100 days.”
Adrian Ramsay, Green Party Co-Leader and MP for Waveney Valley, added,
“These first actions will act as litmus test for the direction this government plans to travel. Are they serious about defending the environment and restoring public services or are we going to see more managed decline on an already broken system? In the medium-term it is clear that Labour need to be honest about the need to raise more revenue to properly fund the systemic change this country needs. It is within this government’s gift to properly fund the NHS but this is impossible if they refuse to consider introducing a modest wealth tax for the very richest in our society. Budgets are already stretched and if they push them much more I worry the system will snap.”
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Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay MP, has congratulated Labour on forming a government and welcomed Keir Starmer’s pledge to restore politics to being about public service. Ramsay has however also warned that the NHS is in crisis and that Labour need to “get serious” about finding the funding to nurse the broken NHS back to health. Commenting Ramsay said,
“At the top of this new government’s to do list has to be the crisis in the NHS.
“We have a new Health Secretary being sent into negotiations with the Junior Doctors with the same stretched budgets.
“If they keep stretching these budgets, something will snap.”
“Labour need to get serious about funding for our NHS.
“There remains a conspiracy of silence around the funding of the NHS that this new government needs to address this.
“The Nuffield Trust has already said their current plans will leave NHS funding in a worse state and would represent “an unprecedented slowdown” in NHS financing.
“Before the election Greens put a figure of £30bn a year that we thought the NHS needed alongside a £20bn capital fund to fix the crumbling buildings.
“Green MPs will push the new government to be bolder on delivering the funding needed to restore our overstretched NHS”
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The Green Party has made history by winning four seats in the general election. The party took Bristol Central off Labour, two seats in the former Conservative leaning Waveney Valley and North Herefordshire and retained Brighton Pavilion. The party says that the quadrupling of Green MPs is the result of solid and positive campaigning on the ground in all the target constituencies, a campaign supported by hundreds of volunteers who “relentlessly pounded the streets for months and weeks” in the run up to the general election.
Carla Denyer, the new MP for Bristol Central, said:
“The Green Party has made history. First and foremost, we say thank you to the voters who have put their trust in us. This is an incredible breakthrough, quadrupling our number of MPs. These victories, together with a doubling of our 2019 vote share to over 7% and the fact we came second in 39 seats in England and Wales, shows clearly that people have embraced the chance to choose real hope and real change right across the country, in both urban and rural settings.
“I am so delighted that voters in Bristol Central have chosen me to be their MP. This was a hard-fought battle, and I pay tribute to Thangam Debbonaire for her time as a hard-working MP here.
“I love this city. Bristol is different, distinctive and dynamic and I feel deeply honoured that so many voters have chosen me to represent them in parliament.”
Adrian Ramsay, who won in the new seat of Waveney Valley said:
“This is the first time someone other than a Conservative MP has represented this part of the country. With a Green MP, Mid Suffolk District Council having a Green majority and Greens being elected to councils across the region, the map of East Anglia is being redrawn. Gone is the sea of blue to be replaced by swathes of Green.
“I will be an active local MP, focused on representing Waveney Valley while pressing the new government to be bolder on the action needed to restore public services and defend the environment.”
Ellie Chowns who also won her seat from the Conservatives in North Herefordshire, said:
“It was clear that the Conservatives had become deeply unpopular, but this result had more to do with the Greens’ positive offer, one which looked at how investment in our health, care and dental services, affordable housing as well as our commitment to cleaning up our rivers and addressing the climate and natures crises can improve the lives of everyone.”
“Our role now is to challenge the Labour government to be better and we will strive to do that every day.”
Sian Berry, who retained Brighton Pavilion, where Greens have held the seat since 2010, said:
“I am so delighted that voters in Brighton Pavilion have chosen to keep their city Green, electing a Green MP for the fifth time in a row. I am hugely proud of this city and its desire to challenge the status quo.
“It is also fantastic to know that we have quadrupled our number of MPs and that I will be working alongside three amazing colleagues. That’s four times the influence and energy to work constructively with the new Labour government on some of our shared goals while pushing them to be bolder where we think their ambition is lacking. Greens will be pushing the policies for a fairer economy, to mend our broken public services, and for serious action on the climate and nature crises.
“We pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who came from far and wide and relentlessly pounded the streets for months and weeks in the run up to the general election. Thank you for your incredible support – these results would not have been possible without you.”
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Sian’s message to voters:
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone in Brighton who has put their trust in me and the Green Party. This is a very special city, and together we’ve made history again.
“I promise to work hard as your new Green MP and make sure your voices are heard in Parliament. By voting for me, you have demanded action on the NHS, the water companies, housing and the climate emergency, and I will be there to make sure the new Government delivers on all of these priorities.
“I am infinitely grateful to Caroline Lucas for her support throughout the campaign, and for being such a model of how to be an effective MP for Brighton and the country.
“It’s hard to express my delight at joining Carla Denyer, Adrian Ramsay and Ellie Chowns, I know they will all be brilliant.”
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New Green MP, and party co-leader, Adrian Ramsay said:
“The voters of Waveney Valley have made a momentous and exciting decision today to vote for positive change, and I am profoundly humbled by the faith they have placed in me and the Green Party in electing me as their MP.
“I promise each and every one of them, whether they voted for me or not, that I will do my utmost to make sure their voices are heard by those who have neglected them, and rural East Anglia, for so long.
“Waveney Valley voters have shown that they no longer want to tolerate the complacency of the Conservative Party, who have always treated this region as their own, and that they want an MP who will stand up for and listen to local people.
“Today, in the beautiful Waveney Valley, we have made history. The people of Waveney Valley have shown that the Green Party appeals just as much in rural areas as it does in the cities. People here have embraced our message of hope and positivity, that there is action that can and must be taken to defend our environment and restore our public services – and that’s what I’ll be pressing for, on behalf of local people.
“I pledged during my campaign that I and any other Green Party MPs elected would hold the new Government to account and push for the action needed on the issues that people are most concerned about, and I recommit to that pledge today.
“I’ve had thousands of conversations with local residents over the last few years and I know they want an active and visible local MP, as well as someone who will be an independent-minded MP in Parliament. I am determined to fulfil that role. As a native East Anglian, I am clear that I will be Waveney Valley’s voice in Westminster, not Westminster’s voice in Waveney Valley. Standing up for our area and striving to make a difference for local people will be my top priority.
“Residents have said they are impressed at the strength of the local Green campaign and I must thank the amazing small team of staff and large team of volunteers who have put in an incredible amount of work and a highly organised campaign to make this happen. To everyone who voted for me, and everyone who has supported my campaign in any way: thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
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- Ellie Chowns: “The people of North Herefordshire have voted for real hope, and real change. Together we have made history here. There is an enormous amount of work to do – to renew our economy, to repair our NHS, and to restore our rivers. I am ready to roll my sleeves up and give this job everything I’ve got, and I can’t wait to get started.”
- The result for the Green Party almost equals the largest majority ever overturned in a single seat at a general election. [1]
Ellie Chowns of the Green Party has achieved one of the biggest electoral upsets in British political history, defeating Conservative Bill Wiggin to become MP for North Herefordshire.
The constituency – long considered a ‘safe seat’ for the Conservatives, with Wiggin receiving almost 63% of votes in 2019 – was one of the Green Party’s top four target seats at this General Election.
Ellie Chowns’ victory comes after many months of campaigning by the local Green Party in the large rural constituency.
Ellie Chowns said:
“I am absolutely delighted, honoured and humbled to have been elected as the first ever Green MP for North Herefordshire.
“Thank you so much to every single voter who has put their trust in me. I promise to work my socks off for you, to take your concerns to Westminster, to serve you locally, and to do everything I can to be a champion for our wonderful constituency.
“I would also like to thank every single person who voted – whoever you voted for – for taking part in our democracy. I promise to work to represent everyone in North Herefordshire.
“The people of North Herefordshire have voted for real hope, and real change. Together we have made history, and shown that change really is possible here. There is an enormous amount of work to do – to renew our economy, to repair our NHS, and to restore our rivers. I am ready to roll my sleeves up and give this job everything I’ve got, and I can’t wait to get started.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
[1] Best for Britain: https://www.bestforbritain.org/six_constituencies_to_watch
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Today, Bristol has made history. The people of Bristol Central have voted for real hope and real change, electing the city’s first ever Green MP.
Bristol Central has said that it has had enough of the political status quo, and has instead chosen the politics of hope.
Carla will be a strong, independent voice in parliament, holding the incoming Labour government to account and driving them to think bigger and act bolder. She will play a crucial role in the next five years standing up for the people of Bristol Central and pushing Labour in the right direction.
Carla said:
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted Green. I’m incredibly grateful that you put your trust in me.
“And to everyone who gave their vote to someone else this time – I’m ready to listen and work hard for you too.
“Thanks to those that have been part of this journey. Green Party volunteers, staff, my councillor colleagues past and present, and council staff including those running the election. It has been a privilege to work with you in the weeks, months and years leading up to today.
“Thank you too, and well done, to all the candidates who put themselves out there – even though we don’t agree on every policy, I recognise the dedication, commitment and sometimes sacrifice you put into this important part of democratic process.
“And finally, thank you to Thangam for your nine years as a brilliant, hard-working constituency MP. I will do my best to continue to help the people of Bristol Central as well as you have done.
“This incredible city has long had my heart. And the warmth and positivity I have felt during this campaign has been truly humbling. I feel so privileged to have this opportunity to serve you and to ensure that the real hope that inspired so many people to vote Green is represented in Parliament.”
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As the polls close, Green Party Co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who is standing in Waveney Valley, said:
“Tonight, Greens are on the brink of new breakthroughs. The Greens offered real hope and real change at this election and voters have been responding.
“In Conservative-inclined places like Waveney Valley and North Herefordshire, and in cities like Bristol and Brighton voters have come out to vote Green.
“We stood more candidates than ever before – giving people across England and Wales the chance to vote Green in ever greater numbers.
“Our fantastic candidates and wonderful volunteers have made the case for a different kind of politics and can be immensely proud of what they achieved during this long campaign.”
Co-leader Carla Denyer, standing in Bristol Central, said:
“It is clear from the exit poll that Labour has won and won big.
“We want it to succeed in government and we want its ambitions and achievements to be bolder.
“That will be the task of our next generation of Green MPs we hope to see elected tonight, to push Labour in government to be bolder, braver, and more ambitious – and to put new issues on the agenda.
“We have succeeded in getting progressive policies like a wealth tax on the super-rich to fund the rebuilding of our crumbling public services on the election agenda. Now we need to get it on the new government’s agenda.
“The Conservatives broke Britain. If Labour is to begin to mend the damage, it is going to need to listen to Green voices in and outside parliament.
“The tectonic political plates are shifting. In just a few hours we will be able to see how far.”
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Green party co-leaders Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) and Adrian Ramsay (Waveney Valley) will spend the final full day of campaigning in their tight marginals before a massive get out the vote action on Thursday led by hundreds of volunteers.
Denyer said:
“Our aim is to win at least four Green MPs and are within touching distance of doing just that. We have brought real hope to this campaign, the hope that a group of Green MPs can bring by pushing an incoming Labour government to be bolder and braver in delivering the real change our country needs.
“We have broken through the conspiracy of silence from the other parties around the need to invest in our NHS and public services, and voters are responding.
“We have made the most powerful case of all the parties for the massive investment needed in our NHS and social care, paid for through a fairer tax system that asks multi-millionaires and billionaires to pay a little more.
“Our manifesto also pledges to invest in the next generation through a focus on quality housing, education and transport.”
Ramsay said:
“We have stood in a record number of constituencies across England and Wales. That is because we want to give everyone the chance to vote Green so that they can send the clearest possible message to the incoming government that we need real change to tackle the climate crisis, restore nature and end the cost-of-living crisis for millions of people.
“For instance, our Green Economic Transformation will deliver an unprecedented insulation programme for homes to make them warmer and cheaper to run.
“Broadcasters and the media have had to include Greens in their coverage and voters have responded to seeing and hearing Green candidates talk honestly about the need for investment in our public services and to clean up our dirty rivers and coastlines.
“More Green MPs – and every vote cast for a Green candidate tomorrow – tells the new government to be more ambitious and deliver what our country really needs to undo the damage of this reckless Conservative government. We need a group of Green MPs inside Parliament to press for action to restore our public services and defend our environment.”
END
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The Green Party is targeting:
- Brighton Pavilion – Sian Berry
- Bristol Central – Carla Denyer
- North Herefordshire – Ellie Chowns
- Waveney Valley – Adrian Ramsay
- What they’re saying about the Green Party Manifesto
National Education Union
“The Green Party manifesto offers a refreshing chance to change the education system that educators, parents and our children and young people have had to put up with for the last 14 years.”
British Dental Association chair, Eddie Crouch
“Thanks to The Green Party’s Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer for showing real leadership on NHS dentistry. This crisis is now a major doorstep issue. It will only be solved with real reform and fair funding.”
Independent newspaper editorial
“The two main parties would do well to follow more of the Greens’ example – not only in their clarity about theclimate crisis, but also their fiscal frankness.”
The Mirror’s Environment editor, Nada Farhoud
“No one expects the Greens to form the new government but we do need them to hold Labour to account to ensure the climate crisis is dealt with the urgency it requires.”
University of Warwick economics expert Professor Arun Advani on the Green wealth tax proposal
“Economically credible.”
Patriotic Millionaires’ Julia Davies
“A small tax on those with more than £10m is a good start in making our tax system fairer and more sustainable.”
Friends of the Earth
“Hats off to the Green Party for having the honesty to say that we can’t fix our broken energy system, ailing public services and protect our planet without spending much more money. And we must ensure the burden doesn’t fall on ordinary working families.”
Writer, George Monbiot
“Our best hope lies with the Green Party.”
Right to Roam campaign
“This is a level of ambition on access befitting national government … we have the ingredients here for the deeper ecological shift we need to undergo as a society: towards a culture of connection and care for the natural world which is available to all and nurtured by everybody.”
National Union of Students
“We welcome the Green Party’s 2024 manifesto which is aspirational and progressive, contains measures which would tackle the many crises the country faces, and would make a meaningful difference to student lives.”
The Care Workers’ Charity
“We are pleased to see care front and centre of this manifesto and the clear acknowledgement of the needs of the care workforce. It is encouraging to see conversations starting about real investment in social care, with a proposal to invest £20 billion annually and speaking openly about how support for the care sector and the NHS must go hand in hand.”
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- “Leaking ceilings”, “staff working out of portacabins”, and wards in “desperate need of improvements” – NHS intensive care nurse speaks out.
- Greens pledge £22bn capital investment to bring crumbling NHS hospitals, primary care buildings and outdated equipment up to modern standards
- Greens accuse Labour of “holding the door open” to the private sector and offer cast iron guarantee to oppose privatisation of the NHS
The Green Party is today calling for an additional £22bn capital investment to bring crumbling NHS hospitals, primary care buildings and outdated equipment up to modern standards. This comes as the King’s Fund warns that without action, we will inevitably continue to have a ‘deteriorating NHS estate increasingly unfit for purpose’.
Green Party co-leader, Carla Denyer, said: “No other political party is being honest enough with voters – the very fabric of our NHS is crumbling and must be repaired and rebuilt.
“The NHS is stretched to breaking point and so we are offering a package to train and retain staff and cut waiting lists, but we also need to recognise that we are asking over-worked staff to cope with outdated equipment and poor buildings.”
Rachel Birch, an intensive care nurse with 12 years’ experience in the NHS, added, “I’ve seen leaking ceilings in our intensive care unit, staff having to work out of portacabins, and wards in desperate need of improvements and modernisation.
“The buildings that we use treating patients are old and inadequate for use.
“Our department cares for critically ill patients needing maximum support that deserve the best facilities and treatment.”
Green MPs elected on Thursday would press for:
- £22bn in capital investment over the next five years to bring our crumbling hospitals and old equipment up to standard
- Including, a one off £2bn capital investment in primary care buildings, £1.1bn annually assigned to clear the maintenance backlog and £3bn a year to be spent on hospitals.
- This £22bn capital investment fund will sit alongside a £30bn revenue expenditure that will see people accessing an NHS dentist, working towards GP appointments on the day of need for those in high need and significant uplift in pay for frontline staff.
Denyer added: “We know the importance of the NHS.
“The Conservatives promised 40 new hospitals and failed to deliver.
“Labour promises to hold the door open to the private sector.
“It is only the Greens who are offering a cast-iron guarantee to push back against the creeping privatisation of the NHS and rebuild it, so it is fit for the future.
“Our Green guarantee to protect the NHS from privatisation, combined with today’s announcement, represents the real hope for our crumbling NHS.”
END
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Green Party Communities spokesperson Ellie Chowns today launched a Green Charter for Small Business designed to help them and our High Streets thrive in the green economy of the future.
Chowns, who is the party’s parliamentary candidate in North Herefordshire, said:
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and our communities.
“There are around 5.6 million small businesses that employ between them over 13 million people. (1)
“This is a vital part of the economy too often overlooked by government. The best and most successful small businesses are embedded in their local economies and support their local communities.
“Our new charter will support them to survive and prosper with VAT breaks in key sectors.”
Green MPs elected on 4 July will push in Parliament for:
- Regional mutual banks to drive investment in decarbonisation and local economic sustainability
- £2bn per year in grant funding for local authorities to help businesses decarbonise
- Encouraging community ownership through greater access to government funding in the transition to a zero-carbon economy.
- Supporting the high street and local businesses through VAT and rates exemptions, with a particular focus on supporting local pubs, clubs, theatres and community arts venues.
- Backing farmers to produce and sell more food locally.
- increasing annual public subsidies for rail and bus travel to £10bn by the end of the next parliament to make public transport reliable, frequent, accessible and affordable, including free bus travel for under-18s
- Building social housing to support workers in small towns and the countryside
- Rejoining the Customs Union to enable small business to trade with Europe.
Chowns said:
“This is a comprehensive package offering direct support to small businesses that also introduces measures to encourage customers to get to and use small, local businesses.
“These innovations will set the framework for small enterprises to succeed and our High Streets to once again become vital community hubs.
“These new regional banks would be capitalised through a Co-operative Development Fund using some of the funds made available through the United Kingdom Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), along with an additional £10bn of public money.
“Local authorities would be funded nationally to channel grants worth £2bn per year to local businesses which want to decarbonise faster.
“Our new generation of Green MPs will press in Parliament to remove any legal blocks to companies wanting to transform into mutual organisations, especially at the point of succession from one owner to another.
“We know the current approach to protecting our High Streets and supporting local businesses is failing. Across the country, too many people are totally out of reach of vital resources like a local bank or pharmacy.
“We want to change the existing market structures that leave customers, suppliers and workers open to exploitation through market dominance. Markets must work to support a fair transition to a zero-carbon economy.
“Some small local businesses struggle to get their payments on time which can leave them financially exposed and unable to thrive on our High Streets.
“Elected Greens will campaign to bring the Prompt Payment Code into law and bar late payers from public-procurement contracts. We also want to mandate the Small Business Commissioner to investigate potential instances of poor payment proactively, instead of only when a complaint has been made.
“We are offering a win-win-win package for our small businesses, our High Streets and our communities.
“For instance, we want all children to have a daily free school meal, made from nutritious ingredients. That would offer farmers a sustainable local market for their produce.
“We would invest in public transport, including buses, cycleways and walking routes to make it easier for people to get around and to use their High Street local small businesses.
“Taken as a whole, our evidence-based, practical charter gives hard-pressed local small businesses the chance to join the green revolution today.
“It offers real hope and real change to our High Streets and communities for the future. In Parliament, Green MPs will work hard to get these practical steps for a thriving local economy implemented as fast as possible.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information or to arrange interviews, please email: press@greenpartry.org.uk, tel: 020 0203 691 9401 or 07826 529 013.
- FSB | UK Small Business Statistics – https://www.fsb.org.uk/uk-small-business-statistics.html
Background briefing
Small businesses matter
- At the start of 2023 there were 5.6 million small businesses (with 0 to 49 employees), 99.2% of the total business population. SMEs account for 99.9% of the business population (5.6 million businesses). (Federation of Small Businesses, FSB)
- Employment in small businesses (with 0 to 49 employees) was 13.1 million (48% of the total) (FSB)
SME and community sector support offers
- Regional mutual banks to drive investment in decarbonisation and local economic sustainability
- £2bn per year in grant funding for local authorities to help businesses decarbonise
- Encouraging community ownership through greater access to government funding in the transition to a zero-carbon economy.
- Supporting the high street and local businesses through VAT and rates exemptions, with a particular focus on supporting local pubs, clubs, theatres and community arts venues.
- Putting more money into local economies by paying a £15 an hour minimum wage, with the costs to small businesses offset by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,000.
- Backing farmers to produce and sell more food locally.
- increasing annual public subsidies for rail and bus travel to £10bn by the end of the next parliament to make public transport reliable, frequent, accessible and affordable, including free bus travel for under-18s
- Building social housing to support workers in small towns and the countryside
- Rejoining the single market to enable small business to trade with Europe.
Our charter in more detail
Funding
Green MPs will back the setting up of regional mutual banks to drive investment in decarbonisation and local economic sustainability by supporting investment in SMEs and community-owned enterprises and cooperatives. These banks will be capitalised through a Cooperative Development Fund using some of the funds made available through the United Kingdom Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), along with an additional £10bn of public money.
Decarbonisation
We will give local authorities £2bn per year to provide grants to help businesses decarbonise. We will explore legal ways for companies to be transformed into mutual organisations, especially at the point of succession from one owner to another.
Community ownership can be encouraged through greater access to government funding in the transition to a zero-carbon economy. We want to change markets where customers, suppliers and workers are open to exploitation through market dominance.
We also want to ensure that structures exist in markets that allow for a competitively fair transition to a zero-carbon economy.
More government support for ordinary car users and small businesses to replace their vehicles as diesel and petrol engines are phased out.
Late payment
Late payment remains a problem for many businesses and sole traders.
Elected Greens will campaign to bring the Prompt Payment Code into law and bar late payers from public-procurement contracts. We would mandate the Small Business Commissioner to investigate potential instances of poor payment proactively, instead of only when a complaint has been made.
VAT reduction
We would also propose a range of changes to VAT, reducing it on hard-pressed areas such as hospitality and the arts and increasing it on financial services and private education.
Exempt cultural events, including everything from theatre and museum tickets to gigs in local pubs, from paying VAT
Business rates reduction
We want to see local authorities given discretionary powers to exempt socially and economically essential local enterprises from business rates.
Food and farming
Increasing domestic food production and expanding local horticulture.
- Incentivizing growing a much greater variety of plant food types to protect sourcing and enhanced nutrition.
- Rebalancing the power dynamic between big food manufactures and local alternatives such as local food networks, community-supported agriculture and other co-operatives
Rebalancing the power dynamic between big food manufactures and local alternatives such as local food networks, community-supported agriculture and other co-operatives
Reducing the vulnerability of the small-scale farming suppliers relative to the oligopolies in retail and food manufacture, by regulating for fairness in negotiation and new legally binding codes of practice.
Putting farmers, including smaller and family farms, back in the room so they are part of developing new farming policy, including a new Fairer Farming Charter.
Elected Greens will fight to ensure that all new trade agreements:
- Respect workers’ and consumers’ rights.
- Meet UK animal protection and environmental standards
Creating markets for local goods
All children should have a daily free school meal, made from nutritious ingredients andbased on local and organic or sustainable produce and free breakfast clubs for children to Year 6
Rejoin EU and Customes Union
SMEs have been really hammered by the end of access to the single market and increased costs of doing business with our neighbours.
We would re-join the EU as soon as the domestic political situation is favourable and EU member states are willing.
We would join the Customs Union as a first step towards full EU membership, and a way of resolving many of the worst problems resulting from Brexit.
We want to see a speedy return to the free movement of people between the UK and the EU, including reciprocal rights to work for both UK and European citizens
Local social housing
Rural businesses really struggle with recruitment due the lack of affordable housing
We will build 150,000 social homes a year.
Transport
We would increase annual public subsidies for rail and bus travel to £10bn by the end of the next parliament to make public transport reliable, frequent, accessible and affordable, including free bus travel for under-18s.
We would invest an additional £19bn over five years to improve public transport, support electrification and invest in new cycleways and footpaths; this includes the reallocation of funding earmarked for road building.
Urban bus services have dropped by 48% and rural buses by 52% since 2008. Yet they are vital to our High Streets. Every £1 invested in bus services is estimated to bring an economic return of £4.50.
Elected Greens would push for local authority control and proper funding for bus services, to increase these in urban areas, and in rural areas ensure that there is a bus service to every village.
We will empower local authorities to run bus services themselves if they see fit and provide a service that meets their community’s needs. Cities and sparsely populated rural areas will need different solutions; we need to give them flexibility and funding.
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Speaking from the spin room at the BBC QT Leaders, Green Party Baroness, Natalie Bennet, said,
“The contrast between the fear mongering of Nigel Farage and the positive, ambitious hope offered by Adrian Ramsay and The Green Party could not have been clearer. Tonight, Adrian showed what a Green society with real investment in our frontline service could offer; a fully funded NHS, an affordable house building programme, and real action on the climate crisis. He showed what real hope and real change looked like. In contrast Farage continued to deliver a message of bile and hate, with dog whistle politics a regular ‘feature’.”
She continued, “As an immigrant myself – albeit a privileged one – I found his scapegoating particularly offensive. Adrian in contrast was clear, the failing frontline services that we can all see, is as a result of 14 years of Tory managed decline and the conspiracy of silence between the Conservatives and Labour who now have a shared vision of underfunding our frontline services”.
She added: “As a former newspaper editor, I have no question about who I would trust, Channel Four or Mr Farage. And the Channel Four expose of Reform language on the streets in this election reminded me very clearly of Mr Farage’s words in the 2015 leader debates when he sought to question HIV treatment being made available to foreign-born patients.”
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Responding to Channel 4’s undercover filming of Nigel Farage’s supporters racist, Islamophobic and homophobic comments, Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer, said,
“Farage’s Reform Party’s mask has not just slipped, it’s been well and truly trampled into the ground. Farage’s attempts to re-write history by distancing himself from these remarks just don’t wash. Just a few months ago he was accused by the Muslim Council of Britain for “horribly Islamophobic, racist and hate-filled rhetoric of misinformation” and he stands surprised when the culture he has created allows supporters to spew Islamophobic hate. His racist, Islamophobic and homophobic chickens have come home to roost. Farage needs to take a long hard look at himself and ask how he has enabled this culture to take hold.”
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Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer today offered a route to pay justice for junior doctors embarking on another round of strikes in their long-running dispute.
Denyer said:
“The outgoing Conservative government should have come to an agreement with the junior doctors a long time ago. The fact it hasn’t underlines why the Conservatives can’t be trusted with the NHS.
“Unfortunately, Labour, on the brink of government, is offering no solutions either.
“Elected Greens will support the junior doctors’ call for pay justice. It’s foolish and irresponsible to continue to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds in training staff and then paying them so poorly they leave the NHS.
“We need to value junior doctors – and all NHS staff – so they stay in the NHS and make it stronger.
“Pay justice is key to staff recruitment and retention, so we can restore the NHS to have it deliver for all of us who rely on it.”
According to the British Medical Association, it would cost £1.6bn to settle the junior doctors’ dispute.
The Green Party manifesto pledges £4.6bn, specifically to tackle pay injustice, including settling the junior doctors’ dispute and funding a workforce plan designed to recruit and retain staff across the NHS.
Denyer, who is speaking to junior doctors on the picket line in Bristol today, said:
“Greens believe passionately in the NHS. We are the only party being honest with the public that it’s going to cost money to nurse the NHS back to health after 14 years of Conservative damage.
“It costs taxpayers around £200,000 to put a doctor through medical school. Yet, when these talented and highly trained people graduate, we are losing them because the pay and conditions have been worsening for years. The BMA points out that junior doctors’ real-terms pay has been cut by more than a quarter since 2008
“Labour has simply abandoned its responsibility and is opening the door to ever greater privatisation.
“We need a different approach that attracts and keeps staff who are dedicated to a publicly-owned, publicly-funded NHS, free at the point of use.”
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- Greens highlight poor health of River Wye to argue for “drastic change”
- £12bn infrastructure fund for sewage and water
- £1.5bn boost to environmental regulator Environment Agency
- Cast-iron commitment to renationalise water companies
- Near triple support for farmers for transition towards nature friendly methods
TV personality Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the Green Party parliamentary candidate for North Herefordshire, Ellie Chowns, will today be testing the River Wye for phosphate levels alongside a group of local campaigners and wild swimmers. The duo will outline The Green Party plan for rivers that will include the nationalisation of our water companies, investing £12bn into our sewage and water infrastructure and a £1.5bn boost for the Environment Agency so it can better regulate..
The River Wye’s ecological status was recently downgraded by Natural England from “unfavourable-improving” to “unfavourable-declining” – evidence, Greens say, that “drastic change” is needed. Government figures say that 72-74% of the phosphate pollution in the Wye comes from agriculture. According to CPRE there over 20 million chickens in the river catchment at any one time. Phosphates at unnaturally high levels alongside other nutrients in rivers can result in algal blooms and the death of many species in the river including fish, birds, invertebrates and plants that are vital to the river ecosystem.
The Green Party is calling for a Water Protection Zone around the river to give it a fighting chance to recover.
In addition, The Green Party is calling for a £12bn investment in water and sewage infrastructure to prevent sewage being dumped into our rivers and seas, and a cast iron commitment to nationalise water companies.
The Green Party is also committed to almost tripling support for farmers over the next 5-year parliament to support the transition to nature-friendly farming.
Ellie Chowns, the Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for North Herefordshire will today say that:
“We are reminded of just how much this shared resource means to the community and why drastic change is needed. The decline in the Wye’s ecological status is a stark warning that has been ignored for too long.
“The river has no voice, but it does have a political manifesto that puts its priorities front and centre. We are here both to demand a Water Protection Zone around the River Wye and to put forward a bold vision for how we can protect all of Britain’s rivers.
“We need to tackle sewage pollution through real investment in water infrastructure and putting people before profit by taking water companies back into public hands. And we need to tackle agricultural pollution through proper support for farmers to transition to nature-friendly farming, plus giving the Environment Agency the funding and teeth it needs to enforce the polluter pays principle. With these measures, we can restore our rivers back to health.”
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will add:
“Ellie and I are clear that the only way to end the scandal of our filthy water is to tackle the pollution at source. For the Wye this means addressing the factory farmed elephant in the room, and working closely with farmers to give them the support they need to grow food locally, and in a way that protects the environment.
“Nationally we need to be bold, and bring to an end the disastrous and unfair experiment with privatisation of a basic human right – clean water. We cannot allow shareholders to profit by extracting money from these disgraceful businesses which completely fail to deliver their obligations to society. And so I fully support the Green Party policy of bringing the water companies back into public ownership.”
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The Green Party has vowed to end Britain’s ‘dental deserts’ by restoring full access to NHS dentistry after years of cuts that left millions unable to get affordable dental treatment.
Elected Greens will push for a new contract for NHS dentists that ensures everybody who needs an NHS dentist has access to one, backed by an additional £3bn for the dentistry budget by 2030.
This will begin to reverse more than a decade of real terms spending cuts and begin to restore the incomes of dentists providing NHS services.
Co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“In many parts of the country it is now impossible to register with an NHS dentist, and many dentists are de-registering NHS patients to avoid treating them at a loss.
“Too many of us are feeling the consequences: dropping from regular preventative dental visits to only going when we have a problem that needs treatment. Prevention is so much better than treatment, and it’s a national outrage that tooth decay is now the top reason for child hospital admissions.
“Our Green plan for dentists will put the billions into the NHS needed to turn around fourteen years of Conservative failure, and ensure every person in every community will have access to an affordable NHS dentist.
“Green MPs will commit to meeting with the British Dental Association as soon as possible after the election, so that we can pile the pressure on the next government to fix dentistry as a matter of urgency.”
The announcement comes after the British Dental Association (BDA) reviewed the dental policies in each party’s manifesto. (1)
The BDA stated that “meaningful reform needs to go hand in hand with fair funding” and noted the “multi-billion-pound promises” made in the Green Party manifesto.
By contrast, the BDA noted a “modest pot of new money from Labour for 700,000 urgent appointments”, but that Labour’s wider promises on dentistry “have yet to be priced in and will likely hinge on future negotiations.”
Elected Greens are also committed to pushing for all children to have a daily free school meal, made from nutritious ingredients and based on local and organic or sustainable produce. The BDA supports universal free school meals, “to fight the severe impact child hunger and poor nutrition are having on children’s dental health.” (2)
NOTES TO EDITORS
- BDA review of the parties’ manifestos: “Meaningful reform needs to go hand in hand with fair funding. We’ve seen multi-billion-pound promises from both the Greens and Lib Dems for the NHS. There is a modest pot of new money from Labour for 700,000 urgent appointments, but pledges on reform – “a shift to focusing on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists” have yet to be priced in and will likely hinge on future negotiations.”
https://www.bda.org/news-and-opinion/blog/nhs-dentistry-where-we-go-beyond-election-day2. BDA manifesto supports free school meals: “Extend free school meals to every primary school child in England to fight the severe impact child hunger and poor nutrition are having on children’s dental health.”
https://www.bda.org/what-we-do/campaigns-and-advocacy/general-election-2024/manifestoThe post Greens pledge to end ‘dental deserts’ with £3bn for new NHS contract appeared first on Green Party.
- Greens will introduce free personal care along the lines successfully brought in by the Scottish Government, to ensure dignity in old age and for the disabled.
- Increase pay rates and introduce a career structure for carers to rebuild the care workforce.
- An additional £3bn to enable local authorities to provide high-quality children’s social care
The Green Party is today highlighting their ‘take greater care’ commitment, pledging better care for millions of people in the care system and those working in it. The Green Party manifesto includes a commitment of £20bn extra a year to ensure free personal care available for all and increased pay rates and a career structure for carers.
Currently there are 150,000 staff vacancies in the care sector. In England there are estimated to be 4.7 million unpaid carers.
The Green Party Communities Spokesperson, Ellie Chowns, said:
“You can judge a society by how it looks after those in need.
“With this test the UK is clearly severely failing and must do better.
“That’s why Greens have committed to invest £20bn a year into social care and will put it on a par with health.
“We believe that health and care services must go hand in hand.
“Investment and an increased priority given to care, will help free up hospital beds and reduce waiting lists.
“The Green Party believes free social care is fundamental to ensuring everyone is shown compassion and dignity at any stage in their lives when they need extra support.”
The Green Party has also pledged greater care of social care workers. Chowns continued:
“There are 150,000 staff vacancies in the care sector and in England an estimated 4.7 million unpaid carers.
“Green MPs will seek to bring together local authorities, trade unions and private providers to ensure increased pay and improved terms and conditions for all care workers.
“The current system is failing some of the most vulnerable in society.
“It is only The Green Party who are being honest about the levels of invesment needed to give people the dignity and wellbeing they deserve.”
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Responding to the ranking of different party manifestos released today by Britain’s leading environmental groups, Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer said,
“These rankings show what most of us already know.
“Greens are the party that has the strongest fully costed policies for the environment.
“If you want green, then you need to vote Green.
“Labour’s green policies are bitterly disappointing, even in the context of the dire Conservative offering.
“Every single Green vote on 4th July will push the Labour government to be bolder and better on important issues – no more so than on the environment.”
She continued,
“We’ve seen the Labour party U-turn on their once-flagship green policy of £28bn climate investment.
“And that’s before they even get into government.
“The environmental NGOs are clear that Labour’s lack of green funding hamstrings their offering.
“Without being honest about how they’ll fund their climate policies, the Labour manifesto is all talk and no trousers.
“A group of Green MPs will work tirelessly in Westminster to defend against any further Labour U-turns, keep Labour honest, and make the case to invest in our future.”
An overview of the analysis is available on the websites of Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace UK.
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Responding to today’s Restore Nature Now march in London, co-leader of the Green Party Carla Denyer said:
“The march in London today, calling on politicians to prioritise nature and climate, gets our full backing. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Action is essential and needed urgently.
“People from all over the country want to give a voice to nature in this election and Greens are the only party with a plan to fully do that. Green MPs will make it a priority to push for a new Rights of Nature Act.
“Greens are also the only party calling for water companies to be taken back into public ownership so we can end both the scandal of sewage pouring into our rivers and seas and stop billions in profits leaking out to shareholders and fat cat salaries.
“We also want to triple support to farmers over the next parliament so they can make the transition to nature-friendly farming and produce healthy affordable food.
“There would be no new oil and gas licenses under the Greens, and we want to introduce a carbon tax to make polluters pay and provide money to invest in the green transition. Greens have a plan for the UK achieve net zero by 2040 at the very latest.”
Notes
See our manifesto commitments on Bringing Nature Back to Life: https://greenparty.org.uk/about/our-manifesto/bringing-nature-back-to-life/
Full manifesto: https://greenparty.org.uk/about/our-manifesto/2024-manifesto-downloads/
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To mark Clean Air Day the Green Party has committed to introducing a Clean Air Act as part of their manifesto commitments, which would set new air quality standards for the UK and enshrine the right to breathe clean air in law.
Greens point to a host of transport policies that would help rid cities of toxic air, including:
- Investing £2.5 billion a year on new cycleways and footpaths
- Adopting Travel England’s aim for 50% of trips in towns and cities to be walked, wheeled or cycled
- Empowering local authorities to provide the bus services communities need and ensuring they have the funding to do so
- Ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2027 and their use entirely by 2035, together with an extensive vehicle scrappage scheme to help people make the switch to cleaner vehicles.
Co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Toxic air affects many communities in towns and cities across the country. It’s high time we cleaned up our act. That’s why Green MPs will take our manifesto commitment to a Clean Air Act and push the next Labour government to give everyone the legal right to breathe clean air.
“Green policies are a breath of fresh air. We propose a series of sensible and achievable policies.
“Creating safe routes for walking, wheeling and cycling will encourage many more people to use active travel, especially children, so that these become healthy lifetime habits.
“Frequent, reliable, affordable and electrified buses also have a huge role to play in offering a viable alternative to the car. Not only will this clean up our air, it will be good for the economy. Every £1 invested in bus services is estimated to bring an economic return of £4.50. Greens also want to see free bus travel for under-18s.
“We also need to tackle the main cause of the air pollution in our towns and cities. Which is why Greens want to see an end to the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2027 and the introduction of an extensive vehicle scrappage scheme to help people make the switch to cleaner vehicles.”
In the previous parliament Green MP Caroline Lucas and Green peer Jenny Jones worked tirelessly to push a Clean Air Bill, also known as Ella’s Law, which received strong cross-party support [3].
Denyer concluded:
“Air pollution is linked to 43,000 deaths per year in the UK. The World Health Organization recognises it’s the largest environmental threat to our health. On Clean Air Day we owe it to the many communities blighted by toxic air to fix this problem.
“Greens offer these communities real hope and real change and Green MPs will work hard for a Clean Air Act in the next parliament.”
Notes
- https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/14/children-near-amsterdam-airport-inhalers-study
- https://ellaslaw.uk/2022/12/13/leading-mps-sign-early-day-motion-in-support-of-ellas-law/
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The Green Party is calling for the next government to save money and save lives by:
- Making the HIV prevention pill (“PrEP”) available beyond specialist sexual health services, such as in GP services and pharmacies
- Continuing successful HIV testing programmes in A&E hospitals in areas of high HIV prevalence including London, Manchester, Blackpool and Brighton
- Launching a scheme to find and help the 15,000 people diagnosed with HIV who have lost contact with health services.
- Establishing a free postal STI testing service, as is available in Wales
The Green Party has today announced the policies needed to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, warning that the government’s HIV Action Plan for England expires next year.
Figures compiled by the Terrence Higgins Trust show a dire situation for sexual health services:
- Sexual health clinics have had a 29% real terms cut during the Conservative government;
- 60% of people trying to get a prescription for the HIV prevention pill (PrEP) have to wait more than 12 weeks, and some people have acquired HIV while waiting;
- Some people resort to buying PrEP online.
The Green Party is calling for expanding access to the PrEP pill, so that it can be obtained via GPs and pharmacies, will dramatically reduce HIV transmissions while reducing demand on overstretched specialist sexual health services. In Brighton, a pilot scheme has brought the waiting list down to zero and freed up 1,000 hours of capacity at sexual health services, by allowing people to reorder their PrEP prescriptions using an app.
Routine HIV testing has been highly effective: detecting thousands of undiagnosed HIV cases and saving almost £4 for every £1 spent. NHS England estimated that £2.2 million spent on this scheme saved £8 million in care costs. But funding is uncertain for this scheme, and must be renewed next year.
Thousands of people with HIV have dropped out of treatment and are “lost” to the health system, with the UKHSA estimating almost 15,000 people were “lost to care” in 2022. The Terrence Higgins Trust and Elton John Aids Foundation estimate that an investment of £7 million over two years could find these people and help them restart treatment, saving significant lifetime care costs and onward transmissions of HIV.
Making free postal STI and HIV testing available across England would help increase rates of diagnosis by allowing people to test at home without needing to travel to a clinic. Postal STI testing is already universally available in Wales, but is a postcode lottery in England.
Carla Denyer, Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said:
“There’s a clear pathway towards ending HIV transmissions in the next Parliament. The simple, proven policies in our manifesto will save the NHS millions of pounds, but most importantly, they will save lives. The Green Party manifesto adopts the many sensible policies proposed by the Terrence Higgins Trust, and I am grateful for all their work to urgently improve the nation’s sexual health.”
Sian Berry, former Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said:
“The government’s HIV Action Plan for England has nearly expired. Green MPs will campaign to end HIV transmissions in this five year Parliament, so that we can end HIV for future generations. The Green Party is calling on the next Government to end new cases of HIV by 2030 by increasing testing and making it easier for people to get their hands on the highly effective HIV prevention pill. These simple policies will save and improve lives.”
Green Party Health and Social Care Spokesperson and GP, Pallavi Devulapalli, added,
“Zero HIV transmissions is within our grasp. We have the medical knowledge to make the UK a world leader and to be the first country to end all HIV transmissions. All we need is for the political will and upfront financial backing to make it happen. The Green Party has set out a series of proposals for how we can properly fund initiatives like this that will not only save lives, but also over the long-term it will also save the NHS money as well.”
END
Notes to Editor:
[1] The Green Party manifesto carries a commitment to “work towards no more HIV transmissions by 2030, advocating for a joined-up approach using proven actions, including access to the HIV prevention pill online, in pharmacies and from GP services. We will renew successful optout HIV testing programmes in A&Es in all areas with a high prevalence of HIV” (Page 4)
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Responding to Labour’s announcement that they plan to use NHS money to buy care home beds[1], Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer, said,
“Labour is fiddling while our NHS burns.
“This rehashed plan barely touches the edges of the scale of investment needed.
“They’re correct to say that we need proper investment in social care to relieve the pressure on the NHS.
“But they are offering no honest solution to how they would tax people more to pay for the changes needed.
“Simply expecting NHS Trusts to cough up more money when budgets are already overstretched isn’t a solution.”
She continued,
“Years of underfunding have left over 400,000 people awaiting care and created 150,000 staff vacancies.
“Our Green social care investment plan of £20bn will restore dignity by guaranteeing everyone free personal care in their home, massively reducing the number of people ending up in hospital in the first place.
Only the Greens are being honest about the huge investment needed to fix fourteen years of Conservative failure.”
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The Green Party has today pledged an extra £5bn over five years for local government spending to keep local museums, theatres, music venues, libraries and art galleries open and thriving.
The Party says its Green MPs will push for VAT to be axed on local theatre and cultural events and for hospitality. Greens are also calling for musicians to have access to visa-free travel to the EU.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Our cultural and heritage venues have been victim to savage government cuts over the years. That’s why the Greens are pulling back the curtain to reveal our offer for arts, heritage and culture. We want to give local authorities a £5bn boost over 5 years to help keep local museums, theatres, small music venues, libraries and art galleries open and thriving.
“Arts, heritage and culture are important to many people’s enjoyment of life and help boost mental health and wellbeing. These sectors also make a valuable contribution to the UK economy.
“Green MPs will also push for cultural events – everything from theatre and museum tickets to gigs in local pubs – to be exempt from paying VAT. We also want to see hospitality served up VAT free. We believe this will give these sectors a much-needed further boost.
“Finally, since Brexit, British musicians have faced costly bills to obtain visas if they wish to play in some EU countries. Greens want visa free travel to the EU for musicians and will press the next government to negotiate an arrangement for this at the earliest possible opportunity.”
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The IFS have today warned that 250,000 children will be hit by the two-child benefit cap next year, rising to an extra half a million by 2029. Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay, responded saying,
“Greens have unequivocally pledged to scrap the two-child benefit cap in our fully costed manifesto.
“Today I am urging the Labour Party to show real strength and conviction and join us in making this pledge.
“This one decision could lift 250,000 children out of poverty.
“The power to do this will be in Labour’s hands.
“But I want to be very clear.
“If they fail to do this, elected Green MPs will not let this rest.
“We will push them every day of the next parliament demanding that they do what is right.
“That is what a Green vote will enable – voices in parliament to keep Labour honest on these important issues.”
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Responding to Labour’s plans unveiled today that see them pledge £7.3bn to accelerate the green transition, Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer, said,
“Sticking the word ‘green’ in front of a plan doesn’t make it Green.
“Far from it in Labour’s case.
“The headline figure of £7.3bn falls massively short of the £40bn per year that Greens have committed to spend.
“Our priorities for a truly Green transition include retrofitting homes to make them warmer and cheaper to run, investing in modern electric railways, investing in our sewage and wastewater infrastructure.
“Issues that the Labour Party are silent on.
“We can afford to do this because we are honest about the need to tax those with the broadest shoulders more.
“Labour, like the Conservatives, are part of a conspiracy of silence around tax and spend.
“They keep telling you they won’t tax more but then keep up an illusion that front line services and infrastructure investment won’t be impacted.
“Don’t believe them.
“Vote for a party offering real change and real hope.”
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The Green Party today is celebrating Euro 2024 kicking off with a game-changing offer to football fans that will see billions invested and money from professional clubs transferred to local communities.
The Green offer includes a £5bn package to invest in community sports and culture that will see grassroots sports clubs properly funded.
In addition The Green Party has unveiled a new funding proposition that would see local authorities enabled to invest in shares in professional sports clubs which operate in their area as a means of maintaining a connection between the club and its community. Any dividends paid to the authority would then be reinvested into public sporting facilities or coaching programmes in the area.
Alongside these financial offers, Greens also have policies to support grassroots football. Greens have also drawn up plans for example to allow local clubs access to school sports facilities outside teaching hours to ensure maximum use of a valuable resource.
The set of announcements comes on the back of a new GMB study based on a FOI request that shows nearly one thousand football pitches have been lost since the Conservatives took power 14 years ago. The Green Party manifesto pledges to enable local authorities to maintain key sporting infrastructure including pools and playing fields stating that these need to be used across all sections of the community to ensure sport is inclusive.
Commenting, Co-Leader and lifelong fan Norwich City fan, Adrian Ramsay, said, “All over the country millions play grassroots football. It builds friendships, keeps people healthy and has an immeasurable impact on happiness and wellbeing. But grassroots football needs support. Greens have pledged a £5billion fund to support community sports and culture that will sit alongside an innovative funding mechanism that will allow local authorities to invest in professional football clubs to reinvest dividends back into their community.”
He continued, “This weekend football fans won’t just be cheering on Scotland and England, they will also be heading out to grassroots summer tournaments all over the country. We can’t underestimate the value that this has for our communities. And we will do all we can to support it every step of the way.”
Ahead of the first game of the Euros kicking off Ramsay added, “With 3 Norwich players in the Scotland squad I will be cheering them along tonight and I will of course be watching the England opener on Sunday and I wish them all the very best at this tournament. I’m sure they will do us proud.”
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Speaking from the ITV spin room, Green Party Co-Leader, Zack Polanski, gave a snap reaction to the ITV Debate saying:
“Tonight the greens hopeful and ambitious vision for Britain clearly connected with the audience.
“We saw a battle of ideas on an equal platform.
“Voters were shown the full spread of electoral possibility.
“And while the tired rhetoric of the old parties looked isolated on stage tonight, the Greens hopeful and ambitious vision for Britain clearly resonated with the audience.
“Whether it was real investment in the NHS, an uplift in teachers’ pay or celebrating the role of immigration to our country.”
He continued, “Tonight Greens took to the national stage confident that our message of real hope and real change is resonating with more voters than ever before.
“People experienced for themselves how Greens offer a real alternative to the Conservative and Labour consensus.”
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Responding to the publication of the Labour Party’s Manifesto that promises an “unprecedented slowdown” in NHS finances, Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay said,
“This Labour Party manifesto is a diagnosis of doom for our NHS and other frontline services.
“After 14 years of mismanagement and underfunding our health service is severely overstretched and crying out for real investment.
“Instead, the Labour Party has today promised investment of just 1.1% increase according to the Nuffield Trust, an “unprecedented slowdown in NHS finances”.
He continued, “Greens understand the severity of the crisis the NHS and have a plan to nurse it back to health.
“We are proposing a £50bn investment per year by 2030 alongside an additional £20bn capital investment fund.
“To quote the IFS “Labour continues in a conspiracy of silence on the difficulties they would face”.
“It’s time they were honest with the public.
“Our frontline services can’t keep limping on without real investment from real tax reform.”
END
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Responding to the launch of Labour’s manifesto, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Keir Starmer has today promised a change in direction. But he’s bound a future Labour government in a fiscal straitjacket which means very little will change. And there’s a glaring hole in Labour’s budget. Their refusal to increase taxes on the super-rich means they will be forced to resort to more public spending cuts. With our public services already on their knees after 14 years of Conservative government, we can’t afford to let this happen.
“Labour is gambling on economic growth but failing to say how wealth will be shared out more fairly. Trickle-down economics will not fix Broken Britain.
“What a contrast to our own manifesto launched yesterday where we pledged a fairer, greener tax system, to raise the funds needed to invest in nursing our NHS back to health, tackle the housing and climate crises and transition to a green economy.
“We would abolish the cruel two-child benefit cap; Labour won’t. We’d end tuition fees and bring back grants for higher education; Labour won’t. And while Labour say they will hold the door open for the private sector in the NHS, Greens have made a cast-iron guarantee that we will fight privatisation and invest an extra £50bn per year by 2030 into health and social care.
“The launch of Labour’s business-as-usual manifesto confirms the urgent need to elect a group of Green MPs to parliament so we can push a Labour government to be bolder and more ambitious.”
Notes
Green Party manifesto: https://greenparty.org.uk/about/our-manifesto/
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- Green Party to unveil Real Hope Real Change manifesto to invest to mend broken Britain
- Greens to propose fairer tax system to fund investment.
- Investment will focus on tackling housing and climate crises and healing the NHS
The Green Party will today promise real change in a manifesto designed to “invest to mend broken Britain.”
A fairer, greener tax system will raise tens of billions of pounds by asking super-rich multimillionaires and billionaires to pay more, equalising the treatment of income from work and wealth, and ensuring top earners pay National Insurance on their higher incomes.
The money raised from the fairer tax system and borrowing to invest will be used for “game-changing” transformation in health, housing, transport and the green economy
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned the next government will need to either cut public spending or increase taxes. The Green Party will show they are the only party being honest with voters by setting out how public services can be protected through a fairer, greener tax system.
Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay will say: “There is a conspiracy of silence between the main Westminster parties at this election.
“Labour and the Conservatives would rather hide their plans for cuts to public services than confront the need for a fairer tax system that asks those with the broadest shoulders to pay more – including the very wealthiest in society, who have grown even wealthier over the last 14 years.
“If people are to have access to an NHS dentist or a GP appointment, if we are to create warm secure homes for all and fund the green transition to tackle the climate crisis and create the jobs of tomorrow, we must be honest today.”
Green Party Co-Leader Carla Denyer will add: “Things can only get worse under Labour unless we dramatically change our tax system to raise money from those with the broadest shoulders.
“Young people, in particular, know just how broken Britain’s frontline services are. The economy is not working for them. They have been priced out of the housing market and are struggling to fund their education.
“Now is the moment to be ambitious – not unrealistic – but ambitious. To be clear about the kind of country we want to live in. About how broken our public services are and the action that’s needed to fix them.”
The Green manifesto pledges to invest in the next generation through a focus on quality housing, education and transport.
The Green Party will also invest to protect the climate for future generations and to bring nature back to life.
The Green Economic Transition will deliver an unprecedented retrofit programme for homes to make them warmer and cheaper to run.
Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion, Sian Berry, will launch the manifesto in Brighton later today.
Sian will say: “The time for half measures and empty promises is over. Only the Green Party is offering real hope and real change at this election.”
The manifesto also details plans to invest to nurse the NHS back to health with extra spending on health and social care rising to over £50bn per year by 2030, and £20bn capital investment to bring crumbling hospitals, primary care buildings and outdated equipment up to modern standards.
Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay, will say today: “Britain’s health care is broken. After 14 years of underinvestment, it now needs bold plans to nurse it back to health.
“Greens are proud to be offering more than any other party to invest to nurse our NHS back to health. Greens will be honest about what is needed. By asking those with the broadest shoulders to pay more – including the very wealthiest – we can invest in the frontline service and infrastructure that we all rely on.
“With more Green MPs in Parliament, we will stop Labour backtracking on any more of their promises. We will push them to be braver, to be more ambitious, and to actually do what’s necessary to fix our broken country and get us back on track.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The Real Hope, Real Change Manifesto will be published here: https://greenparty.org.uk/about/our-manifesto/ at Noon.
- Overall, we estimate that by the end of the next parliament our personal tax changes could raise between £50 and £70bn per year in 2024 prices. How we will make the tax system fairer:
- Wealth tax will be levied on individual taxpayers with assets above £10 million at 1% and assets above £1bn at 2% annually. We estimate less than 1% of households will pay this tax.
- Aligning capital gains tax with income tax. In 2021/22 CGT was paid by 395,000 taxpayers which was only 1.23% of all income taxpayers.
- National Insurance contributions: The basic8% rate should be charged on income above the Upper Earnings Limit. The number of taxpayers affected would be less than 5m.
- Somebody earning £55,000 a year will pay £5.46 a week more in tax or £283.74 a year. 86% of taxpayers earn less than this.
- Somebody earning £65,000 a year will pay just under £17 a week more in tax or £883 a year. 90% of people don’t earn this.
- We would equate the rate of pension tax relief with the basic rate of income tax, so everybody would only get a tax relief of 20%. Inheritance tax reform: closing the loopholes used by the super-rich.
- Levying a carbon tax at an initial rate of £120 per tonne, rising to a maximum of £500 per tonne of carbon emitted within ten years. It will initially align the different taxes on fossil fuels including: Fuel Duty, Climate Change Levy; payments under the emissions Trading Scheme. It will encourage businesses to decarbonise and be levied at a level that makes decarbonisation the cheaper option.
- We will not impose further increase on the main rates of corporation tax. We will advocate for windfall taxes where there is evidence that market distortions are creating risk free additional profits. Initially retaining the levy on energy companies’ windfall profits and applying another on Banks following interest rates rises. This could raise £9bn a year by the end of the Parliament.
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Responding to PM Rishi Sunak’s pride in Tory achievements, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“This Conservative Prime Minister is heading for the exit because he is totally out of touch.
“He claimed: ‘I am proud of what’s been achieved over the last 14 years’, but it is 14 years in which we broke away from our closest neighbors through Brexit, real wages fell, the NHS crumbled, and rivers filled with sewage.
“No Prime Minister so out of touch with the hurt his government has caused so many people can expect to be re-elected.
“So, we will have change on 4 July. The question is will it be the timid, tiny steps offered by Labour or can we achieve the real change the country needs to heal the NHS, tackle the climate crisis and give people hope that life can be so much better?
“On Wednesday, the Green Party manifesto will offer just such a vision of real change and real hope.”
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Responding to the news that 408 leading climate scientists have demanded more action on the climate emergency in an open letter, Green Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay, said,
“It is time for politicians to sit up and take note. Here we have 408 scholars who have dedicated their careers to understanding the climate crisis demanding not more words, but real action. Their call for an ambitious climate programme aligns closely with how The Green Party sees the role of political and government leadership in transitioning us to a more sustainable and secure future.
For Greens, it’s in our DNA that we will commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions with urgency, bolster our resilience to unavoidable climate impacts, and lead the global effort in transitioning away from fossil fuels. Equally, we stand ready to implement a credible, legally binding strategy to meet our carbon budgets and achieve net zero. We will accelerate adaptation measures and adhere to the expert advice of the Climate Change Committee.
More than that though we stand in solidarity with those demanding a just and fair transition and see the need for finance to come from the industrial north to those in need to most urgently mitigate and adapt from the impacts of climate change. The time for half measures is over. We need real change and real hope from our politicians that now, more than ever, the climate crisis will be given the focus and funding it deserves.
This, fundamentally, shows why we desperately need more Green MPs elected. To ensure that these demands are being made inside Westminster as well as by colleagues outside.”
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Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, said: “The Green Party is proud to announce that in this election we will have candidates standing in 574 seats in England and Wales. “All over the country voters will have the opportunity to vote Green and vote for real hope and real change instead of the half measures and broken pledges on offer from The Conservative and Labour. “We will be putting our manifesto to voters next week with practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, building new affordable homes, protecting our NHS from creeping privatisation and cleaning up our toxic rivers and seas. “If elected, Green MPs will push the next government for bold action to achieve the real changes that are needed to confront the big challenges our country faces. “This is a historic moment and the first time we’ve had this many candidates. It reflects the incredible journey we’ve been on over the past five local elections in which we’ve increased our number of councillors nearly five-fold.”
- Green Party previews manifesto with extra spending on health and social care rising to over £50bn per year by 2030
- This sits alongside an additional £20bn capital investment to bring crumbling hospitals, primary care buildings and outdated equipment up to modern standards
- Greens will increase NHS frontline workers’ salaries including doctors, dentists and nurses
- “Cast-iron Green guarantee” promise that Green MPs will fight privatisation of the NHS
Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay and the party’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Dr Pallavi Devulapalli, today announced a “game-changing” package for the NHS and social care totally £50 billion a year in investment by 2030 and an additional £20 billion in capital investment to improve crumbling buildings.
Commenting at the launch, Green Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay said “Today’s announcement represents a game changing package that is more than any other political party is offering. It has been fully costed and could be fully delivered.”
Mr Ramsay, who described his personal experience in recent months supporting a family member both through hospitals and then into the care system, said that “many people” could see that the NHS was “stretched to breaking point” despite the "commitment of hard-working NHS staff”.
Green Party Health and Social Care Spokesperson and practicing GP, Dr Pallavi Devulapalli , reiterated this saying that she had “seen first-hand the impact that chronic underinvestment had on patients” describing long-waiting times for treatments and the impact of living in severe pain unable to work or support loved ones.
Mr Ramsay spoke to the need to “restore dignity both for NHS staff and patients”.
The Greens used the announcement to reveal a package of spending pledges alongside a “Green cast iron guarantee” that Green MPs would fight the privatisation of the NHS at every stage. The announcement included a commitment to :* Invest £20bn in a capital investment to bring our crumbling hospitals and old equipment up to standard. * Invest £50 billion per year by 2030 into health and social care - more than any other major party - and would use the money to: * Dramatically reduce waiting lists * Offer everyone access to an NHS dentist * Guarantee rapid access to a GP when there is urgent need and dramatically reduce waiting times for all * Ensure people needing mental health support can access relevant therapies within 28 days * Invest £5bn per year to boost NHS salaries and keep our wonderful nurses and doctors in the UK * Invest £20 billion per year into adult social care to ensure dignity for those in need of care and take pressure off the NHS – including introducing free personal care. * Restore public health budgets with £1.5bn uplift in spending .
The large spending commitments they say is part of a fully costed manifesto due to be released on the 12th June in Brighton that includes commitments to “tax wealth fairly” by introducing a wealth tax of 1% on assets over £10 million and 2% over £1 billion.
Key points: * Green Party previews manifesto with extra spending on health and social care rising to over £50bn per year by 2030 * This sits alongside an additional £20bn capital investment to bring crumbling hospitals, primary care buildings and outdated equipment up to modern standards * Greens will increase NHS frontline workers’ salaries including doctors, dentists and nurses * Greens offer “cast-iron Green guarantee” that Green MPs will fight privatisation of the NHS
The Green Party will today set out a package worth £30bn per year for the English National Health Service by 2030 – more than any other major political party. The result will see NHS frontline workers' salaries increased, guaranteeing rapid access to a GP and same day access in case of urgent need, and giving everyone access to an NHS dentist. A combined package that they say will restore the dignity of both staff and patients. The package also includes an additional £20 billion a year commitment to social care to ensure dignity for those in need and to end the pressure on the NHS from a broken care system. This £50 billion health and social care offer will sit alongside al £20bn capital investment to bring crumbling hospitals and outdated equipment up to modern standards. Taken together they are part of a cast-iron Green guarantee to a fully funded fully public National Health Service. Green MPs will continue to fight the privatisation of the NHS at every stage – a commitment no other party is making.Commenting, Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay said, “Our NHS is at breaking point following 14 years of underfunding. Patients are stuck in hospital corridors, people can’t see their GP or NHS dentist when they need to and staff are severely overstretched. “Greens believe passionately in the NHS and we are the only party to be honest with the public that it’s going to cost money to nurse the NHS back to health after 14 years of Conservative damage.“Not just by shifting a small pot around, but by asking the very richest in our society to pay a modest amount more in tax to fund the investment we need to nurse the NHS back to health. “Our plans are credible, deliverable and fully funded. “With the political will and a fairer, greener tax system we can offer real hope and real change for the NHS we all treasure."With more Greens in the next Parliament we will press the new government to take the action needed to restore our NHS.” The Green Party Co-Leader Carla Denyer added, “We all know the importance of the NHS. “But it is only the Greens who are offering a cast-iron guarantee to push back against the creeping privatisation of the NHS. “In contrast, Wes Streeting, the Shadow Health Secretary, said he would “hold the door wide open” to an increased role for the private sector in our precious NHS.“Our Green guarantee to protect the NHS from privatisation, combined with today’s announcement, represents a game-changing offer for our National Health Service that will restore the dignity of staff and patients alike. “It offers real change from the managed decline of recent years and offers real hope to all of us who rely on the NHS.” Green Party Health, Social Care and Public Health spokesperson and GP, Pallavi Devulapalli added, “I’ve seen first-hand the impact years of underinvestment and managed decline has had on the NHS and the service received by the patients. “It breaks my heart when patients come into my surgery and I know they won’t get the care they need in a timely manner. “But it doesn’t have to be like this. “With the political will we can have an NHS that puts the patient first and ensures world beating quality of care. “But for this to happen we need the investment and that’s why I am so proud of The Green Party for being honest and brave enough to say not just what needs to happen, but how we can afford to make it happen. If you want real change and real hope in the NHS there is one party that is offering to make that a reality”
Reacting to todays’ speech by the UN Secretary General António Guterres, Green Party parliamentary candidate for North Herefordshire, Ellie Chowns, said:
“The UN Secretary-General has reiterated today that the climate crisis is here and it’s hitting us hard. He made clear that if we are to have a liveable future we need to act with extreme urgency.
“Yet the Conservatives are in denial, being reckless with our future, pushing to extract more fossil fuels. And Labour are tinkering at the margins, ditching their green investment plan and will leave the UK limping towards its climate targets.
“Only the Green Party is offering real hope and real change when it comes to the climate crisis.
“Green MPs will push the next government to stop all new fossil fuel extraction projects, cancel recently issued fossil fuel licences, including Rosebank, one of the largest undeveloped oil and gas fields in the UK.
“They will also press for significant investment in the green economic transformation – something that will be good not just for our environment, but also the economy, creating thousands of new jobs. This investment makes good economic sense as the cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of climate action.
“This is an emergency. We don’t have long to act. Only the Green Party are offering the policies for a fairer greener country.”
Responding to the head-to-head debate between Sunak and Starmer, Green Party Co-Leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“This election debate needed to be better.
"It would have been better if the other leaders of other political parties were stood alongside challenging the cosy consensus of Starmer’s Labour and Sunak’s Conservatives.
"Our NHS is creaking, the cost-of-living crisis is hurting us all – and the need to protect our environment has never been greater.
"But all we got from the stage tonight were promises that amounted to little more than fiddling while Rome burns.
"This election should be about our chance, as a country, to express real hope and real change to a different kind of future.
"People clearly want a change from the Conservatives, yet Labour’s timid approach just won’t deliver the change our country needs.
"That’s why we need more Green MPs in the next Parliament – to push the new government to be bolder and take the action needed, to restore our NHS, to build more affordable housing – and to create a healthy environment for us all.”
Responding to the announcement from Reform UK that Nigel Farage has been handed their leadership and that he is now standing as an MP in Clacton, despite just days ago confirming he wasn’t standing for election, Green Party Democracy and Citizen Engagement Spokesperson, Nate Higgins said,
“Nigel Farage is not just a dodgy salesman. He is a crook and a conman.
“He will package his brand of hate filled politics in a way that is populist and that he thinks he can sell to an electorate who are understandably fed up with mainstream politics.
“Frankly though, we’re not buying it.
“The latest organisation he latched himself onto, “Reform UK”, is another smokescreen. Set up to take money off people without offering them membership like any other established political party.
“Greens can see through these smokescreens and his jovial façade and see the divisive hate that pulsates through his politics.
“His politics belong on the extreme fringes not at the heart of Clacton, let alone on prime time TV.”
He continued, “Through sheer arrogance, what Farage fails to comprehend is that the great British public can also see him for what he is.
“7 failed election attempts later you would think he would have got the message but evidently not.
“I’m hoping that the good people of Clacton make this very clear to him on July 4th and instead look for a party that is offering real hope and real change.
“The Green candidate Dr Natasha Osben was born and bred in Clacton and I know will put the people of Clacton first, not just use them as a stage on which to stand to boost her own ego.”
Responding to Labour’s announcement on energy and security, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: “The road to national energy security must lead to real change – a turn away from fossil fuels and a massive investment in renewable energy generation and energy saving programmes like home insulation delivered through local authorities right across the country. “Anything less – and Labour is offering much less – will leave people with higher bills and do nothing to solve the climate crisis that is leaving communities up and down the land vulnerable. “It is Labour’s lack of ambition and refusal to make the real change needed that is leaving us all less secure. “Compared to Labour’s original commitment to spend £28bn a year on green investment, Labour plans to spend just £8.3bn over the course of the parliament. “That is nowhere near enough to deliver energy security. “Labour’s targets focus on the electricity supply. However, to achieve net zero we need to see the electrification of home heating. This aim was ditched when Labour cancelled its £28 billion investment pledge.”
Responding to Sir Keir Starmer's comment "Read my lips - I will bring immigration numbers down" to the Sun on Sunday, Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay, said: “Keir Starmer is falling into the same trap that the Conservatives have."Stoking division and adopting the anti-migrant rhetoric of Nigel Farage and Natalie Elphicke instead of welcoming the important role people choosing to work in the UK play. "People coming to live and work in the UK play an invaluable role in our health and care sectors. “Those who peddle this divisive rhetoric ignore this and instead feed a false narrative that it’s migration, not a chronic underinvestment in public services, that are stopping you from getting a GP appointment, a hospital bed, or the surgery you need. “This is just not true”. He continued, “Greens in contrast reject this false divisive rhetoric. “We are offering real hope and real change at this election. “Only the Greens offer the investment in jobs, infrastructure and public services fit for the future to fix our broken frontline services. “Voters know that the Greens will never blame people from other countries for the years of underinvestment and economic mismanagement by the Conservative Government."
Reacting to Labour’s announcement on Great British Energy, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: “We need real change if we are to meet the demands of the climate crisis. These Labour plans do not deliver it. “Compared to Labour’s original commitment to spend £28bn a year on green investment, this announcement of just £8.3bn over the course of the parliament looks tiny and is nowhere near enough to deliver Labour’s promise of 'clean electricity.’ “Labour’s targets focus on the electricity supply. However, to achieve net zero we need to see the electrification of home heating. This aim was ditched when Labour cancelled its £28 billion investment pledge. “Domestic energy security is vital, but that must begin with energy efficiency. That means providing the national programme of home insulation delivered by local authorities that will ensure warm homes and cut bills. This was another victim of Labour’s ditching of its original £28 billion investment pledge. “We want to see community owned assets and schemes that genuinely benefit people, not the private companies seeking to use public funds channeled through Great British Energy to continue profiteering while the planet burns and people’s bills remain too high. “Where is the support for local area heat networks which would make a real change and offer great long-term investments ideal for community ownership? “Labour has spent too long listening to the pleadings of energy companies for public investment in unproven technological solutions like carbon capture that simply won’t deliver the immediate real change we need. “The Green Party is committed to democratically controlled community ownership for a greater share of the energy market and a faster transition to Net Zero over the next ten years. “We would invest the money so that communities could take ownership and see less income in the hands of companies that have made excessive profits from fossil fuels or run our water companies into the ground.” NOTES TO EDITORS 1. An Initial Green analysis of Labour’s plans shows:
‘An initial capitalisation of £8.3 billion over a Parliament, paid for by a proper windfall tax on oil and gas giants.’ * UK’s energy supply needs over £900 billion investment to reach net zero by 2050 according to a new report published by NatWest and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) * It is a tiny proportion of what is needed in terms of investment. Even Labour’s £28bn offered lacked the necessary ambition.
‘The £3 billion GB Energy local power plan alone will generate 8GW of clean power within five years, the equivalent to…’ * If Labour want to meet their target for decarbonising the grid they will need to deliver far more by 2030 * ‘Connecting a large volume of renewable generation and storage projects is critical to decarbonising the power system by 2035. Between 180 and 220 GW of grid-connected power generation capacity will be needed to achieve this. * The lack of mention of local area heat networks is a worrying sign. They are a good long term investment ideal for community ownership. The arrays for communal ground sourced heat pumps will be in the ground for hundreds of years. * Given the low level of funding to Community Energy in a huge market it is hard not to think that Labour is committed to corporate ownership OR a very slow pace of decarbonisation.
The Green Party is committed to a greater shared for democratically controlled community ownership and a faster transition to Net Zero over the next ten-years. We would invest the money so that communities could take ownership and see less income in the hands of companies that have made excessive profits from fossil fuels or run our water companies into the ground. Derisking and Corporate Partnership Carbon capture and storage CCS has been subject to a high level of corporate lobbying. It has been primarily driven by the fossil fuel companies Government’s have globally invested billions in CCS project's that have underdelivered. Hydrogen has also been subject to high levels of corporate lobbying It might have a role to play in energy storage and some industrial processes, but it is not going to have wide application in the energy market. The are doubts about both technologies. They might both be needed but it is not clear how much and the other clear opportunities for this country. Derisking the investments of unproven technology might not be in the interests of a government trying to defend the NHS. Labour’s engagement with this technology is worrying, who are they listening too? The recent excellent report from IPPR Manufacturing matters: The cornerstone of a competitive green economy makes it clear we should be focusing on the proven technologies of heat pumps and wind power.
Green parliamentary candidates launched their national General Election campaign with a rousing call to set aside the broken politics of the Conservatives and Labour and vote for “real hope and real change.” Co-leader, and parliamentary candidate for Bristol Central, Carla Denyer told the party’s General Election campaign launch in Bristol: “Across the country, people now have the chance to vote for real hope and real change. "People are deeply disappointed by the way Keir Starmer has backtracked on his promises on green investment, his weak offer on housing -- and now we have the would-be Health Secretary Wes Streeting telling us that more privatisation of the NHS is a good thing. "The case for change is obvious, but it has to be real change that offers real hope. Half measures and broken pledges will not do. “The voters we’re speaking to are excited that they have a genuine choice. “The polls are showing that we will soon be shot of this awful Conservative government, but the incremental change Labour has put on the table just isn’t going to cut it to get this country back on track. We need more Green MPs if we are to drive that real change forward. Co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who is standing in the new Waveney Valley constituency on the Norfolk-Suffolk border, said: “Over the past five years, we have increased the number of Green councillors five-fold. From here in Bristol, to councils across Waveney Valley and from Newcastle to Hastings, Greens are on the up. “With more Green MPs in the next Parliament what you’ll get is real hope and real change. “Green MPs will push the next government for bold action to achieve the real changes that are needed to confront the big challenges our country faces – and people know that. “Free healthcare is a fundamental principle held dear by people up and down the country and we would make sure it is funded properly so that everybody can see an NHS dentist and doctor when they need one. “We will make the tax system fairer so that we can afford to invest in the people who work in our hospitals and surgeries, so that they stay here, bringing down waiting lists so people don’t miss out on life-saving operations. “People know they can trust the Greens to offer real hope on climate and nature. Real change means not cosying up to the fossil fuel lobby and not abandoning commitments on climate targets. “Only by having more Greens in Parliament can we be confident that we will have strong voices to stop the backsliding on urgent climate action.”
Co-leader, and parliamentary candidate for Bristol Central, Carla Denyer will tell the party’s General Election campaign launch later today: “Across the country, people now have the chance to vote for real hope and real change. “Our politics is broken, our public services are on their knees and people are worse off now than when the Conservatives came to power 14 years ago. The case for change is obvious, but it has to be real change that offers real hope. Half measures and broken pledges will not do. “The Conservatives are clearly on their way out of government, but Labour is failing to offer the real change needed. “We have the practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, building new affordable homes, protecting our NHS from creeping privatisation and cleaning up our toxic rivers and seas.” The party’s campaign launch will take place in Bristol, where the party now leads the council after winning every single seat in the Bristol Central constituency. Co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who is standing in the new Waveney Valley constituency on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, will say: “After so much damage by the outgoing Conservative government, we need more than a few tweaks from a new Labour government. Green MPs will push the next government for bold action to achieve the real changes that are needed to confront the big challenges our country faces.“Over the past five years, we have increased the number of councillors five-fold. Greens have dramatically increased our number of councillors elected, from here in Bristol, to councils across Waveney Valley and from Newcastle to Hastings. “Over the next few weeks, we will build on that success and on 4 July ask voters to elect at least four Green MPs in our target seats and support our candidates standing across England and Wales. We are offering real hope and real change.” NOTES TO EDITORS The Green Party of England and Wales aims to stand candidates in every constituency, with its best chances in: * Brighton Pavilion – Sian Berry * Bristol Central – Carla Denyer * North Herefordshire – Ellie Chowns * Waveney Valley – Adrian Ramsay
Reacting to Labour's NHS plans, Green Party co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Waveney Valley, Adrian Ramsay said:
"Labour is offering fantasy plans to end the NHS crisis. It wants to pay the private sector more, make existing staff work longer hours and squeeze more patients into overcrowded wards.
“Waiting for growth, won’t cut waiting lists.
"You can't seriously reduce the waiting lists, or build a health service for the future, without raising the money you actually need through fairer tax, as well as tackling the profit motive.
"Greens will, next week, be unveiling our practical solutions that offer real hope and real change, support staff and invest in facilities to defend our NHS."
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said: “The horrific scenes following the latest Israeli bombing in Rafah, and previous rocket fire from Hamas into Israel, underline why the UN Security Council must act today to enforce the order from the International Court of Justice to end the fighting, release hostages and dramatically increase the flow of humanitarian aid. “This is the way to create the conditions necessary for a long-term political solution to the conflict.”
Reacting to Labour's plans to chase narrow economic growth over other priorities, Adrian Ramsay said: "The transition to a green economy provides major opportunities which we must grasp - opportunities for warmer homes, lower bills and good new jobs. The Green Party would invest in the technologies we need to ensure a sustainable and secure future."But we would not be chasing growth for growth's sake. We need to ensure our economy works in a way that safeguards our climate and enables nature to flourish."And we need to make sure the economy we are building is fairer as well as greener. "This is why we would secure the investment needed to restore our public services by asking the very richest in society to contribute more. Even modest changes to the tax system for the wealthy could make a big differences - and only the Green Party is pledging to do this."
Responding to the news that The Conservatives plan to bring back national conscription, Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer said,
“This policy is removed from reality. It is not what our military needs and it certainly isn’t what our young people need.
"What young people tell us they need is access to the housing market, to higher education that doesn’t plunge them into debt, and to meaningful jobs that pay well.
"Not military conscription.
"It is striking just how removed this Conservative government is from the priorities of young people today”.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer welcomed the latest energy price cap drop, but warned it still left average consumers with bills £400 higher than before the energy crisis. Denyer said: “Consumers are still paying for a crisis not of their making. “Neither the Conservatives nor Labour are offering the real, practical, lasting solutions that can bring down people’s bills and protect the environment by reducing home energy use. “Fiddling with the price cap is not enough. “A mass programme of government-backed, council delivered home insulation starting immediately after the General Election is a win-win solution for people and the planet and offers people hope and positive change. “We could reduce bills for the long term and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by building new homes that are easier and cheaper to heat and boosting insulation in existing homes. Insulating people’s homes means they can stay warm while using less energy, save money and produce fewer harmful carbon emissions.”
The Green Party welcomes the General Election as the chance for voters to choose hope and practical solutions to the crises facing the country.
Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Bristol Central Carla Denyer said:
"At last. This is the moment the country has been waiting for – the chance to vote for a different vision of what our country can be. We are urging voters to elect at least four Green MPs to Parliament.”
Co-leader and parliamentary candidate for Waveney Valley Adrian Ramsay said:
“We are ready. Across the country people will have the chance to vote for a Green candidate offering voters hope and practical solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, supporting people into warm, affordable homes, protecting our NHS and cleaning up our toxic rivers.
Denyer added:
“By reforming our tax system to make it fairer – including a tax on the super-rich billionaires and multi-millionaires – we would raise £50billion to invest in our NHS, warmer homes and cleaner rivers.”
Ramsay added:
“We are offering the common sense, affordable policies that will dramatically improve our quality of life. More Green MPs in Parliament will hold whoever forms the next government to account, and make the other parties confront the challenges our country faces. Together, we can make the change.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Green Party of England and Wales will stand candidates in every constituency, with its best chances in:
- Brighton Pavilion – Sian Berry
- Bristol Central – Carla Denyer
- North Herefordshire – Ellie Chowns
- Waveney Valley – Adrian Ramsay
For more information and to arrange interviews contact: press@greenparty.org.uk. Tel: 0203 691 9401.
Responding to the announcement by the International Criminal Court (ICC) that it is seeking arrest warrants for senior Hamas and Israeli officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Green Party spokesperson for global solidarity, Carne Ross, said:
“The ICC prosecutor’s announcement today sets out in horrifying detail the brutal decisions undertaken by the leaders of both Hamas and Israel.
“Green Party leaders wrote to the foreign secretary David Cameron six months ago setting out how war crimes had been committed by both sides [1]. The UK government must now stop denying the heinous crimes perpetrated by the government of Israel and its defence forces including, according to the ICC, the starvation of civilians, wilfully causing great suffering and intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population.
“This is a big test for David Cameron who has to date refuted any suggestion of war crimes by Israel and refused to reveal the government’s legal advice. Under the Rome Statute, which the UK helped write, he is obliged to support this ICC process. The government's claim that it supports the international rule of law is being put to the test.”
Notes
[1] https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2023/11/01/green-party-urges-uk-government-and-opposition-to-call-for-ceasefire-in-israel-gaza-conflict/
Joint Statement from the Co-Leaders and Deputy Leader of The Green Party and Lord Mann, the Government's Independent Advisor on Antisemitism:
“Lord Mann and the leadership team at The Green Party of England and Wales met last week to discuss the important issue of antisemitism. Both parties have committed to continued dialogue and working together to ensure that antisemitism, like all racism, has no place in Green politics and to better educate Green representatives about anti-Jewish racism. The Green Party has taken a series of proactive steps towards these goals but understands that this will take consistent work going forward.”
Responding to the prime minister’s ‘security’ speech at Policy Exchange [1], in which Rishi Sunak said "we must be prepared strategically, economically, with robust plans and greater national resilience, to meet this time of instability with strength, co-leader of the Green Party Adrian Ramsay said:
“The prime minister’s speech on security failed to make a single mention of the threats posed by climate change in spite of the government’s own Climate Change Committee being clear that this is one of the biggest challenges of our generation. With land and sea temperature records being broken on an almost daily basis, this is an emergency.
"Yet instead of announcing any new climate commitments, Sunak chose instead to vilify those pushing for climate action, accusing them of ideological zeal. He also trotted out the tired excuse for inaction, that the costs of achieving Net Zero were too great and would disrupt people’s lives. The reality is that the Conservatives’ decision to listen to the siren song of the fossil fuel industry means we are being left behind in the economic transition.
“The Green Party understands that the cost of inaction on climate far outweighs the cost of action. We also know the huge disruption to people’s lives that climate breakdown will cause. That’s why Greens want to see investment in insulating homes and turbocharging renewable energy. These sorts of investments will bring down people’s energy bills, create thousands of new jobs and give us real energy security.”
Notes
- https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-on-security-13-may-2024
Responding to Labour Leader Keir Starmer’s speech in Dover, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Labour is right to signal it will abandon the government’s inhumane Rwanda deportation plan, but it has failed to offer people seeking asylum the safe and legal routes that would offer a real alternative to people smugglers, or tackle the roots of the asylum crisis.
"I don’t want people risking their lives crossing the channel in small boats.
“But the way to end this awful spectacle isn’t Labour’s punitive, inhumane alternative to the Conservatives ’failed Rwanda scheme.
“It is providing safe and legal routes for people to apply for asylum from overseas, working for strong international co-operation on supporting asylum seekers and working to address the reasons that people are having to claim asylum – including wars, poverty and the climate crisis.”
Reacting to a new report from the Office for Environmental Protection which says: "government will not meet its ambition that most water bodies will be on the road to good condition or else already in that state by 2027," Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“The Green Party wants to see much greater protection of nature in law, and that includes our rivers.
“We would set up an Independent Commission for Nature that would set targets for nature protection and restoration, enforced through the courts.
“This would be groundbreaking and make future governments act to protect our waterways from agricultural and industrial pollution.
“It would allow for the first time the possibility of individuals, communities and conservation groups taking legal action on behalf of nature. Currently, every time our rivers, seas or land is polluted, prosecution is left to hopelessly underfunded quangos.
“We also need water companies in public ownership and an end to leaking sewage.
“We need to give space for all of nature to thrive, and that includes protecting our rivers.”
The Green Party has called for mandatory solar PV panels to be fitted on all appropriate new buildings and for all new homes to be built to Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standards.
The call comes as analysis (1) finds that the world's oceans have broken temperature records every single day over the past year and that the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (2) reports April was the hottest month on record globally. Greens accuse both the government and Labour of refusing to take the actions necessary to rapidly bring down the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions and avert climate breakdown.
Co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“The evidence of climate breakdown is mounting. Yet the Tory government pours fuel on the fire by dishing out licenses for new oil and gas exploration. Just last week (3) the High Court ruled that the government is failing to do enough to meet its targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and will be required to redraft the plan again.
“The Green Party would love to help with this redraft. We can offer two simple, sensible and practical measures - just as starters. Fitting solar panels to all appropriate new buildings should be mandatory and building regulations should be changed so that every new home is built to Net Zero standards. These two measures are examples of how tackling our greenhouse gas emissions can also bring down fuel bills.
“The world has achieved a new landmark with a record-breaking 30% of the world's electricity last year being generated from renewables. But the UK is lagging behind in this renewable energy revolution – and all the jobs and improved wellbeing for people that comes with this. By cutting their £28bn pledge for green investment, Labour is also failing to grasp the seriousness of the climate crisis or the potential benefits of taking climate action. Labour just don’t get the fact that the cost of inaction on climate change far outweighs the cost of action.
“Thankfully, after our hugely successful local election results which has resulted in a total of 809 councillors on 174 Councils, we can look forward to Greens having more influence in scaling up renewable energy and ensuring everyone has a secure, warm and affordable home.”
- Green Party wins every council seat available inside their target parliamentary constituency of Bristol Central
- With 34 councillors Greens are now by far the largest party on Bristol City Council, and the largest group of Green Party councillors anywhere in the UK ever
- Greens have become the largest party on Hastings and Stroud councils
- New record of 809 Green Councillors on 174 Councils
The Green Party is celebrating an historic electoral victory after it emerged as the largest party on Bristol City Council and won every available seat in their target parliamentary constituency of Bristol Central.
Across the city, the Green Party won 34 seats, becoming by far the largest party in the city and the largest group of Green councillors ever elected to a council in the UK.
Co-leader, Carla Denyer, who is standing as parliamentary candidate in Bristol Central, said:
“Bristol Central has turned totally Green. We’ve won all 14 council seats in the new parliamentary constituency, paving the way for the city to get its first ever Green MP at the forthcoming general election. As MP candidate for Bristol Central, I look forward to giving Bristolians another opportunity to make history. After these resounding local election results, the people of Bristol know that we don’t have to accept politics as usual - something better is possible if we vote for it."
Greens also became the largest group on Stroud and Hastings Councils with 22 and 12 councillors respectively. And the Party won a by-election in Bunwell ward in South Norfolk, forcing the Conservatives to lose their majority on South Norfolk Council. The ward is in the new Waveney Valley constituency where co-leader Adrian Ramsay hopes to become the next MP. He said:
“Over the last five local elections in England we have seen an almost five-fold increase in the number of Green councillors. The victories and the places where we have won means we are on course to see a similar increase in the number of MPs at the next general election.
“But this isn’t just about what it means for the General Election, it’s also what it means for those people who live in areas where Greens have power.
“We’re now the largest party on key English councils including Hastings, Stroud, East Hertfordshire, Babergh, East Suffolk, Mid Suffolk, Lewes, Folkestone and Hythe, the Forest of Dean, as well as Bristol of course.”
“Voters are increasingly turning to the Greens because we offer a real alternative, with sensible and practical policies to tackle local and national issues such as the cost of living, the housing crisis, underfunded and run-down public services and the terrible state of our rivers.”
- The Green Party wins every council seat available inside their target parliamentary constituency of Bristol Central and are now comfortably the largest party on Bristol City Council
- Greens earlier became largest party on Hastings council
- Results so far show Greens set new record for number of councillors, growing to 803 councillors across 174 councils in England with more target areas yet to be announced
In a historic electoral victory, amid a record-breaking local election campaign, the Green Party has this evening not only emerged as the largest party on Bristol City Council, but has also won every available seat in their target parliamentary constituency of Bristol Central.
Across the city, the Green Party has won 34 seats in the city’s local elections, strengthening their position as the largest party in the city and supporting the polls’ suggestion that Bristol could elect its first ever Green MP. Today’s gains also see them become the largest group of Green councillors to ever be elected at a local election in the UK.
Carla Denyer, the Green Party Co-Leader and parliamentary candidate for Bristol Central, commented on the success in the city:
“At this election the people of Bristol have turned to the Green Party to deliver the change that this city needs.
“The people of this city know that we don’t have to accept politics as usual - something better is possible if we vote for it."
The Green Party dominance at the city’s local elections is another sign that the Greens are on track to win their top General Election target of Bristol Central where party co-leader, Carla Denyer, is the candidate. Greens won all 14 council seats in the new Bristol Central constituency.
Denyer continued:
“As MP candidate for Bristol Central at the coming General Election, I’m looking forward to giving Bristolians another opportunity to demonstrate their values by voting for real change and hope at the national level.”
The victories come alongside what pollster Sir John Curtice described as “spectacular gains” in seats across the UK from Newcastle to Exeter. The Party is now setting its sights on securing 4 Members of Parliament including in the new seat of Bristol Central where Greens now hold 14 of the 14 councillors.
Co-leader Adrian Ramsay welcomed the record results across England, including earlier becoming the largest party on Hastings Borough Council. He said:
“We went into these elections with a record number of Green councillors.
“We’re emerging with a new, even higher record.
“I know Carla will be a great MP for Bristol if elected at the next election.
“But this isn’t just about what it means for the General Election, it’s also what it means for those people who live in areas where Greens have power.
“We’re now the largest party on key English councils including not just Bristol but also Hastings, East Hertfordshire, Babergh, East Suffolk, Mid Suffolk, Lewes, Folkestone and Hythe and the Forest of Dean.”
He continued:
“These record results represent a seismic shift in English politics.
“Voters are increasingly turning to the Greens because we offer a real alternative, with sensible and practical policies to tackle local and national issues such as the cost of living, the housing crisis, underfunded and run-down public services and the terrible state of our rivers.”
“The excellent result in Bristol builds on our huge breakthrough last year in gaining control of Mid Suffolk District Council – in the area where I’m standing to be MP for the new Waveney Valley seat.
"This and Bristol Central will join Brighton and North Herefordshire among our top target seats at the general election.”
The Green Party has gone from the fourth largest party on Hastings Borough Council to the largest party. Greens won 9 of 16 seats up for election (56%), up from just 1 seat the last time these were contested (2021). This leaves Greens with 12 councillors (+8), Labour 8 (-2), Indy 7 (=) and Conservative 5 (-6). Responding, Green Party Co-Leader Carla Denyer said, “This is an absolutely spectacular result for Hastings going from the 4th largest party on the council to the largest. “We've gone from 4 to 12 seats and it stands as a tribute to the fact that when people elect Greens, and see how hard we work for them, they want to elect more. “Green Councillors are already in power in Hastings and will now be able to deliver more with a stronger and bigger Green group. As with dozens of other councils where Greens are in administration they can deliver real change for their residents.” At the time of writing (18:30) Greens have gained 38 councillors and are on track for a record number of councillors by the end of the weekend of around 800 on over 170 councils. Greens have also made breakthroughs onto new councils including: Newcastle, Sefton in Merseyside, Redditch in Worcestershire, Bolton and in South Norfolk where the Green gain toppled the Council control from Conservative to No Overall Control.
Reflecting on early local election results, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: “Green councilors are being elected in ever higher numbers across the country and are ready to deliver for their communities. “We have won our first councilors on Newcastle Council, and our first councilors on Sefton and Redditch, taking seats from Labour and the Conservatives "We won two new seats on South Tyneside from the Conservatives and Labour. “And we gained seats In Exeter, Peterborough and Colchester with many of our target seats only set to declare later today. “North and South, East and West, Greens are winning the trust of voters fed up with the chaos of the Conservatives and the U-turns of Labour. “We are winning because our message of hope is being heard by new groups of voters. In these elections we have argued for practical solutions to the cost of living crisis, the climate crisis and the cuts to public services, that are clearly resonating with voters.“More results like this later today and over the weekend and we can be confident that we have the firmest of foundations for our General Election campaign when we are going to do everything we can to get at least four Green MPs elected to Parliament.“We’ve worked hard for these early breakthroughs and we’ve also been working hard to emerge as largest party in Bristol, Worcester, Stroud and Hastings – the results of which we will see over the next two days.“We could achieve a record number of seats in Bristol and emerge as the largest party to lead the next administration as the Elected Mayor post is coming to an end following a city-wide referendum – but it is going to be close.”
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer responded to the first council elections results: “I’m delighted to see the first ever Green Party councillors elected to Newcastle City Council which show that voters are increasingly putting their trust in Greens to deliver a fairer, greener country. “In Byker ward in Newcastle, the Green candidate, Nick Hartley, won over 50 per cent of the vote. And in Elswick ward, Khaled Musharraf was elected with notable movement of Muslim voters from Labour to Green. “The Newcastle gains from Labour come alongside two stunning gains in South Tyneside – one from Labour and one from the Conservatives. “These results show us reaching new areas of the country – and we are achieving that because our message of hope is being heard by new groups of voters. “In these elections we have argued for practical solutions to the cost of living crisis, the climate crisis and the cuts to public services, that are clearly resonating with voters. “We have some big results to look forward to in elections being counted throughout the weekend, including in Bristol, where we have a Green target seat for the General Election, but already this is proving a very positive night for the Greens. “More results like this and we can be confident that we have put down the firmest of foundations for our General Election campaign when we are going to do everything we can to get at least four Green MPs elected to Parliament.”
As polls closed across England in the local elections, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“It has been a wonderful experience to be out on the doorstep listening to voters and understanding why their concerns over the cost of living, cuts to local services and the climate crisis are turning into votes for the Green Party.
“I want to thank every single voter who has gone to the polls today to vote for a fairer, greener country.
“Our fantastic volunteers and candidates have been out knocking on doors, listening to voters and responding with a positive vision of what their Green vote would mean.
“As counting begins, I look forward to another record night for the Green Party. We have increased our councillor numbers at each of the last four elections – and I believe we can do so again.
“That will lay the firmest of foundations for our General Election campaign when we are going to do everything we can to get at least four Green MPs elected to Parliament.
“We know that having a Green in the council chamber or in Parliament delivers for people, the community and the planet.”
In response to Labour’s announcement that it plans to renationalise most passenger rail services within five years [1] co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said:
“Greens give an amber light to these proposals. We have long called for full public ownership and significant investment in our railways. The passengers left stranded after cancelled or delayed services or sitting on floors next to closed train toilets are testimony to the failed privatisation experiment of our railways.
“These proposals though are only for partial public ownership and make no mention of the significant investment that our railways need. They would leave rolling stock and freight in private hands. This should be the first step to completely integrate all our railways into public ownership followed by significant investment that both the rail industry and passengers are crying out for.
“Too often Labour makes grand policy announcements that are followed by a screeching U-turn weeks or months later. This is why a Labour government will need Green MPs to help keep them on the right track and pushing them to be bolder and do better.”
Notes
[1] Labour pledges to renationalise most rail services within five years - BBC News
Responding to the Rwanda Bill completing its parliamentary stages, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said: "I don’t want people risking their lives crossing the channel in small boats. But the way to stop that isn’t this punitive, inhumane approach. It’s providing safe and legal routes for people to apply for asylum from overseas, and working to fix the reasons that people are having to claim asylum – including wars and the climate crisis. "This new Act is simply a very expensive way to be cruel. We need to get the humanity back into our refugee policy and Green MPs will certainly seek this Act’s repeal after the General Election."
Responding to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's plans to stop GPs issuing sick notes to people too ill to work, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“How cold hearted do you have to be, and how lacking in empathy, to see this crisis of ill health as anything other than caused by decades of austerity and lack of investment in the NHS?
“The PM should be fixing the NHS so that people can get well, not blaming people who are ill.
“We would invest in mending the health and social care system, not denying people the right to see a GP when they need it.”
Green Party co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, has announced the Party’s plans for an Independent Commission for Nature that would protect nature and ensure the restoration of wildlife habitats. The new watchdog would be created as part of a new "Rights of Nature" Act that would enshrine in law the intrinsic value of nature while also recognising how a healthy natural environment is fundamental to clear air, water and food.
Ramsay made the announcement as he joined leaders of national conservation charities at Black Bourn Valley Reserve in Suffolk [1] where they delivered their ‘Nature 2030 Open Letter’ signed by 100,000 people across the country [2].
Adrian Ramsay said:
“I am delighted to be the first party leader to back the calls of conservation groups to restore nature. The natural environment is deeply important to the British people, yet the lack of adequate legal protection has left the UK as one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. Last year’s State of Nature report [3] highlighted the scale of the threats facing nature, with 1 in 6 species at risk of extinction. Given this alarming situation, the work of the country’s many conservation and wildlife organisations is critical in helping to protect and restore nature. Like them, the Green Party understands we need a change in government policies to ensure the UK meets legally binding targets for nature by 2030.
“Greens believe that nature has an intrinsic value. It is also vital to human health and survival - for the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Evidence also shows that people’s physical and mental wellbeing is enhanced by easy access to green spaces and nature.
“The Green Party wants to see much greater protection of nature in law. We would set up an Independent Commission for Nature that would set targets for nature protection and restoration, enforced through the courts. This would be groundbreaking, allowing for the first time the possibility of individuals, communities and conservation groups taking legal action on behalf of nature. Currently, every time our rivers, seas or land is polluted, prosecution is left to hopelessly underfunded quangos.
“The Nature 2030 open letter, signed by over 100,000 people, demonstrates that people want to see firm action to halt and reverse the decline of nature by 2030. The Green Party fully backs the outcomes the Nature 2030 coalition of conservation organisations want to see [4]. Nature restoration will be a key priority in our general election manifesto, and for me personally if I’m elected as an MP.
“Only the Green Party will take the necessary action to double the budget for nature friendly farming, protect 30% of the land and sea for nature, invest in the skills needed for regenerative farming and wildlife habitat restoration, and protect people’s right to clean air and water and access to nature.”
Notes
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Black Bourn Valley Nature Reserve managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust is a 290 acre former arable farm where natural regeneration methods and conservation grazing are being used to demonstrate how land management can balance competing demands on land use and natural resources whilst bringing back nature.
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Open_Letter_Nature_2030_Campaign.pdf
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State of Nature 2023 - report on the UK’s current biodiversity
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Nature_2030_Report_18.07.2023.pdf (wcl.org.uk)
Following news of the Iranian attack on Israel and the involvement of UK aircraft in Israel’s defence, Green Party co-leader, Carla Denyer, has urged the UK not to be dragged into a Middle East war. She said:
“The Green Party condemns Iran’s attacks against Israel, which were targeted on civilian as well as military targets. This represents a concerning escalation of the current conflict in the Middle East. We call on all parties now to find ways to de-escalate this conflict, which risks spreading across the region.
“We are concerned by the use of British aircraft in the night’s events. We question why Britain should be involved in this confrontation, where there is a risk that we could become embroiled in a regional war. The record of Afghanistan and Iraq suggests that involvement in such conflict brings great risks, especially when the military and strategic objectives are unclear.”
Denyer also questioned at what level the decision to engage UK defence forces was made:
“I am deeply concerned about how this decision to deepen our involvement was made and in what further action the government proposes to involve UK armed forces. Britain’s military involvement must be scrutinised and debated by parliament. We should not allow ourselves to be dragged into a Middle East war.
“Last night's violence demonstrates again that there must be resolution to the interconnected conflicts of the Middle East, including in Gaza where a ceasefire remains urgent. We are at a moment of grave peril and it is incumbent on all countries, including the UK, to find ways to reduce rather than contribute to conflict.”
Responding to comments by the Shadow Heath Secretary saying that under a Labour government investment in the NHS would be dependent on reform and that there would be an increased role for the private sector [1], co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said:
"Wes Streeting says that if the NHS doesn’t change, it will die. But it is inadequate funding that has left our NHS in a poor state of health, not lack of reform.
“Between 2010 and 2019 the UK had a lower level of capital investment in health care and 18% lower average health spending than 14 EU countries [2].
“So to say that the public is paying a heavy price for failure is an insult to hard-working NHS staff, who are doing their level best despite being overworked and underpaid. It is the failure to invest adequately and pay staff properly that is at the root of dissatisfaction with the NHS.
“The public agrees. They don’t want endless reforms; neither do they share the Conservative or Labour appetite for creeping privatisation. They want the current model to work and to see the NHS available to everyone free of charge and primarily funded through taxes [3]. A tax on the super-rich billionaires and multi-millionaires can provide the funds needed to fix our cherished NHS.
“The Green Party has never had any truck with the profit motive in health care and will continue to push for a fully publicly funded NHS.”
Notes
[1] Wes Streeting warns NHS that there'll be no additional funding without 'major surgery' under Labour | The Sun
[2] How does UK health spending compare across Europe over the past decade? - The Health Foundation
[3] Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2023 | Nuffield Trust
The Green Party has repeated its call for a full bilateral ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the suspension of arms exports to Israel, and for key players in the Netanyahu government to be held accountable for possible war crimes, six months on from the 7 October attacks by Hamas.
Co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said:
“This isn’t just a far away conflict that we have nothing to do with. By consistently refusing to call for a ceasefire and continuing to supply arms, the UK Government has been complicit in the deadly assault on Gaza by the Israel Defence Forces.
“Six months on from the horrific Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens, it is clear that the Netanyahu government's response has been totally disproportionate. Over 33,000 innocent Palestinian civilians have now been killed, the majority of them women and children. This is not an act of self defence. As the UN’s Human Rights Council has resolved, the actions by the Israeli government are possible war crimes and crimes against humanity. Indeed, the UK Government itself has reportedly concluded secretly that Israel is breaking international humanitarian law.
“It is time for our Government to end their complicity and start leading efforts towards peace. They must finally call for a ceasefire, immediately suspend arms exports to Israel and back the UN Human Rights Council’s call for accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
In the six months since October 7th, the Green Party of England and Wales has called for:
- A full bilateral ceasefire
- The release of all hostages
- A suspension of all arms export licences to Israel until the violence stops
- The cessation of all military collaboration with Israel, including use of British bases by Israeli forces, and intelligence sharing
- Targeted Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against individuals and institutions supporting or facilitating Israel’s occupation of Palestine
- An investigation by the Metropolitan Police and Director of Public Prosecutions of war crimes committed against UK citizens, or where UK citizens are potential perpetrators
- The UK government to use its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to vote for, rather than abstain on, ceasefire votes
- Targeted sanctions against key individuals in the Israeli leadership, including travel bans and asset freezes on Israel’s government ministers
- An end to occupation of the Palestinian territories
- The UK government to return to international law being the benchmark for UK policy, and repair the UK’s international reputation as a defender of the international rules-based order.
The Green Party of England and Wales launches its local election campaign in Bristol today with a pledge to support councils to massively increase their supply of affordable housing.
Co-leader Carla Denyer, who is standing as MP candidate in Bristol Central, said:
“This country faces an acute housing crisis. There are over a million households on council waiting lists [1]. In England the average home for sale now costs more than 8 times the annual average household earnings [2].
“We desperately need a massive increase in the supply of affordable social housing. I hear regularly from people who have been living in unacceptable conditions, crying out for a secure home or struggling to make ends meet because their rents are through the roof.
“Councils have a vital role to play but they need a framework that supports them to provide the homes that people desperately need. We need to unlock the policies that will make hundreds of thousands of extra council homes available – for good. We also need a fair deal for the millions of people renting in the private sector.”
The policies the Green Party would introduce to help councils increase the supply of affordable housing include:
- Providing funding to councils to meet their needs for affordable social housing and lift the overly restrictive rules on council borrowing for housebuilding – ensuring at least an extra 150,000 council homes a year are made available through a mix of new build, refurbishment, conversions and buying up existing homes
- Ending Right to Buy, enabling local authorities to keep council homes available and affordable in the community for good
- Taming the private rental market through rent controls, in places where the rental market is overheated, to ensure a fair rent, as well as ending no-fault evictions.
- Creating a ‘community right to buy’, giving councils, housing associations and community housing groups first refusal to buy certain properties that come onto the market, including former social housing bought under Right to Buy; properties in need of energy efficiency improvements; or any property left empty for an unacceptably long time.
Co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who is standing as parliamentary candidate for Waveney Valley – the area where Greens won a majority on Mid Suffolk District Council last year, added:
“Whilst our housing crisis is one of supply, it is also a crisis of housing quality, and homes too often being built with a view to developers’ profits rather than community needs.
“That’s why our Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price charter [3] would transform the planning system to ensure all new homes are built to the highest environmental standards, prioritising brownfield sites, while requiring all new developments come with investment in local services, such as extra school and GP places, better bus services and infrastructure for walking and cycling. [1]
Deputy leader and Green London Assembly member, Zack Polanski, said:
“London is far too expensive for so many including our key workers in the NHS, hospitality and other areas. The Green Party want to see a ‘Living Rent’, where median local rents would take up no more than 35% of the local median take-home pay. The fact that this is so commonly exceeded is forcing people into fuel or food poverty. This is a scandal.
“Greens demand rent control powers for London and a two-year rent freeze when we get them. We will also set up a Rent Commission to look at bringing down private rents.”
The Green Party will launch its local election campaign in Bristol [4]. Co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“The Green Party has built up a head of steam in Bristol. We are aiming for a record number of seats in the city and believe we could emerge as the largest party and leading the next administration. We go into these local elections with around 760 councillors on nearly 170 Councils in both urban and rural settings, and Greens already a governing party in 10% of all councils in England and Wales.”
Notes
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14,000 social homes lost last year, as over a million households sit on waiting lists - Shelter England
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Home buyers in England face paying 8.7 times annual earnings: ONS – Mortgage Strategy
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Greens call for Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter to beat housing crisis and protect green space | The Green Party
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The local election launch will take place on Thursday 4 April at the Engineers House Conference Centre at 11am. The co-leaders of the Green Party, Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay will launch the campaign and be available for photos and interviews. Deputy leader Zack Polanski will also be available.
In the wake of the attack on the World Central Kitchen convoy, which killed seven aid workers, the Green Party have repeated their call for the UK government to cancel all arms export licences to Israel.
The Party’s Global Solidarity spokesperson and former Middle East diplomat, Carne Ross, said:
“The death of compassionate humanitarian volunteers was an outrageous and avoidable tragedy. The cynical attempts by the Netanyahu government to portray the attack on World Central Kitchen (WCK) as an accident have been dismissed by those agencies trying to feed the starving in Gaza. Under international humanitarian law, this humanitarian aid is the responsibility of the Israeli government, yet they are keeping routes closed and not ensuring that those emergency routes operated by aid agencies are safe.
“It is clear that the Israeli government is violating the terms of the licences under which arms are exported and is failing to abide by basic international humanitarian law. It is a national shame that we are arming the Israel defence forces who are responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians. It appears that the deadly Israeli strike on the aid workers used a drone produced in the UK. This only strengthens the case for an immediate arms embargo.
“It is hugely disappointing, but sadly predictable, to hear calls to end arms exports coming only after Western lives have been lost. It comes too late for the thousands of Palestinian children slaughtered by western supplied bombs and bullets.
“Foreign Secretary Cameron can show global leadership during his talks with NATO leaders today by first ending UK arms sales and then persuading other NATO countries to follow suit. We cannot allow the humanitarian calamity in Gaza to continue a day longer.”
Responding to a British Social Attitudes survey which finds public satisfaction with the NHS is at its lowest ever level [1], co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay, said:
The high levels of dissatisfaction with the NHS are a direct result of the Conservatives deliberately running down health services and using this as grounds for privatisation. I hear all the time from people struggling to get an appointment with their GP; unable to see an NHS dentist, while overstretched wards mean people are left in corridors and staff are overwhelmed.
“Yet it is very clear that people overwhelmingly want the NHS to remain free at the point of use and available to all. They don’t share the Conservative or Labour appetite for creeping privatisation.
“The public also unequivocally backs the NHS being funded by tax, with almost half believing taxes should rise so more can be spent on health services.
“The Green Party has never had any truck with the profit motive in health care and believes in a fully publicly funded NHS. We can find the billions the NHS desperately needs to improve its services and to pay health workers properly. A tax on the super-rich billionaires and multi-millionaires can provide the funds needed to fix the NHS and so rekindle our love affair with our most cherished public service.”
Notes
[1] Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2023 | Nuffield Trust
Reacting to Environment Agency figures showing water companies increasing sewage discharges into rivers, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
"Water companies continue to be allowed to dump ever more sewage into our rivers, waterways and coastal waters while splashing funds at shareholder dividends and fat cat salaries for water bosses.
“The £57bn in payouts from the water industry over the last 30 years should have gone towards improving standards.
"Greens would end this failed experiment in privatisation, bringing the water companies back into public control so we can clean up this industry."
Reacting to news that the UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, without the US using its veto to block the resolution, co-leader of the Green Party Carla Denyer, said:
“The Green Party has been calling for a ceasefire since last October, so this vote is hugely welcome if long overdue. With Israel’s greatest ally the United States abstaining, the Netanyahu regime is more isolated than ever – and rightly so.
“This Security Council resolution comes too late for hundreds of thousands of people who have seen their families and friends killed, maimed, or seriously injured and their homes, hospitals and schools destroyed. Nonetheless, it ramps up international pressure on Israel to end its deadly assault on Gaza.
“However, Netanyahu is not listening – the attacks continue. The UK government must now further pressurise the Netanyahu regime by immediately suspending export licenses for arms to Israel. The Green Party also calls for further leverage through boycotts, divestment and sanctions. This means withdrawing all public money from funds with investments in Israel and suspending beneficial trade arrangements with the country.
“Only a full bilateral ceasefire and release of all hostages can stop more people dying. Israel must immediately stop blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, where their blockade on aid is causing famine and intolerable suffering. And only a ceasefire can allow talks to begin on the long-term political solutions that will bring peace and security to everyone in the region.”
Responding to Labour’s announcement in Anglesey about Great British Energy, the new energy company the Party plans to set up if they become the government, co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay, said:
“The announcement today of £8 billion for Great British Energy over the course of the whole parliament, which would prioritise investment in floating offshore wind, is a drop in the ocean. Especially since it follows the Party ditching its £28bn a year green investment plan. The Green Party would invest whatever is needed to turbocharge the move to renewables, ensuring wind provides around 70% of the UK’s electricity by 2030.
“We would also create an environment where communities can genuinely own their own energy, keeping bills down while allowing those communities to benefit from any profits made. By contrast, Labour seems all at sea when it comes to what sort of venture Great British Energy will be. Will it be a fully publicly owned company, as originally promised, or will Labour simply spin it as such when really it is another way for private energy companies to max out their profits?”
Reacting to Michael Gove’s statement on a new definition of extremism, deputy leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski, said:
“Is this government seriously asking us to trust them to define extremism? In a week when they failed to condemn blatant racism and a death threat from a major Conservative Party donor? In a month when they are pushing through the Rwanda Bill which demonises the most vulnerable people seeking refuge, asylum and safety in this country? And after years attacking civil liberties and undermining our democracy?
“Our fundamental and democratic rights are under threat from extremists. The problem is, they’re running the country.”
The Green Party has accused the Conservative Party of being funded by racists and have challenged them to donate the £10m received from Frank Hester to anti-racism and domestic violence charities [1].
Green Party spokesperson for Policing and Domestic Safety, Amanda Onwuemene, said:
“It’s clear that racists are funding the Tory Party to the tune of millions of pounds. No wonder they fail to call this out for what it is – a vile racist and misogynist attack on a woman who made history by becoming Britain’s first Black woman MP and who has had a remarkable political career.
“The Green Party stands in solidarity with Diane Abbott and all Black women. Nobody should have to face the abuse and threats she is subject to.
“Labour wants the Conservative Party to return the £10m donation – to a man guilty of racism and misogyny. As Greens we challenge the Conservative Party to donate the sum it has received from Hester to some of the many anti-racism and domestic violence campaigns around the country that are doing such valuable work. That would demonstrate the Tories are genuinely concerned about fighting racism and misogyny.”
Notes
- Biggest Tory donor said looking at Diane Abbott makes you ‘want to hate all black women’ | The Guardian
“People can see through these pre-election tax bribes that will have to be paid for by cuts to our NHS and other vital public services,” says Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer.
Denyer said:
“People are crying out for investment in social care, in our NHS and in dentistry. We needed a ‘care full’ Budget but have ended up with a careless, reckless Budget.
“Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is attempting to bribe the electorate through tax cuts, which can only mean more pain for public services that are already on their knees.
“People won’t be richer, healthier or happier because of this Budget. People know a con when they see one.
“The Fairness Foundation found only 16 per cent of the British public and 17 per cent of Conservative voters would support tax cuts if it meant public service cuts. [1]
“Councils are going bust up and down the country, NHS waits are getting longer, dentists can’t be found, while anyone travelling by train or bus, or visiting our town centres feels the lack of investment all around them.
“These headline tax cuts will do nothing to reverse the decade-long, real-terms wage freeze most workers have faced under successive Conservative governments.
“The Resolution Foundation says those earning up to £19k pa will be losers because of freezing of tax thresholds, while pensioners and those on benefits gain nothing at all. [2]
“There is wealth in the UK, but it is distributed unfairly. Our economy is failing because our wealth, rather than circulating and benefiting everybody, is held in the stagnant assets of the super-rich.
“So, we needed a Budget that released the money available from a wealth tax to invest in the green jobs of the future, to cut NHS queues and restore nature and the places we live and work.
"We needed a Budget that introduced a Wealth Tax, and reformed Capital Gains Tax and National Insurance to raise over £50bn per year. [3]
“That would have provided the vital public investment our country is crying out for.
“Now we have Labour huffing and puffing but offering no real alternative to being locked into a Conservative-forged cuts straitjacket.
“Thankfully, a General Election is coming where people can vote Green for the real change that will lead to a fairer, healthier and more caring country.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
[1] https://fairnessfoundation.com/minority-sport
[2] https://x.com/resfoundation/status/1764996812270600489?s=20
[3] budget-background-v3.pdf (greenparty.org.uk)
* Raise over £50 billion through taxing wealth fairly
* A large-scale green investment programme to transform our economy
* Billions more for health and social care;
* Funds for local authorities to invest in warm, affordable to heat homes
* VAT exemption for hospitality and cultural businesses
The Green Party is proposing to raise over £50bn annually by the end of the next parliament through taxing wealth fairly.
The proposal is part of the Green Party's five-point plan to counter the cost-of-living crisis and deliver a fairer and more caring country in next week’s Budget. [1]
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“There is wealth in the UK. It is distributed unfairly. Our economy is failing because our wealth, rather than circulating and benefiting everybody, is held in the stagnant assets of the super-rich.
"The Budget this year should focus on recirculating that wealth and making it work for everybody.
“Our wealth tax and wider tax proposals would also begin to tackle the desperate inequality that is a source of so many of our problems as a country.
“Taken together, we estimate that changes to Capital Gains Tax and National Insurance, alongside a new wealth tax, would raise over £50bn per year that would be available for the vital public investment our country is crying out for.
“We need to face up to the long-term threats to our economy, and the immediate costs which are currently being carried by those who can least bear them.
“We need a large-scale green investment programme to transform our economy from one reliant on cheap labour and fossil fuels to one that puts people and planet first.
“We need to deliver a housing programme that offers people warm, affordable- to-heat homes and helps councils cut people's energy bills by upgrading home insulation.
“We need to invest in a health and social care system that guarantees dignity for all and to end the blight of long-term sickness. The rising cost of social care is hitting councils hard. Our reforms could help them too.
“We need to give a hand to hard-pressed small businesses in the hospitality sector which have been hit by Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. The temporary 5% VAT rate should continue and extend to all activities in the cultural and sports sectors, and leisure activities. Indeed, we would be more ambitious, zero-rating all these activities for the life of the next Parliament.
“The Conservatives have broken Britain and Labour seems to be shredding any policy that might fix it. Our five-point Green Budget alternative would create a fairer and more caring country.
“Of course, this ambitious programme of rebalancing our economy toward planet and people and away from profiteers and speculators must be paid for. That’s why we are proposing an immediate wealth tax and other tax reforms, while recognising that much of the investment would generate revenue in the medium- and long-term.
"Our wealth tax on the super-rich and wider tax reforms would be the fair way to fund the things we need to create a healthier society – high quality housing, social care and good jobs in a green economy.
“The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned the Chancellor: “the economic case for tax cuts before the next Spending Review is completed is weak” and reliant on severe cuts to local government, disability benefits and other key public services. The IFS is also correct to note that “the UK’s tax system is in dire need of reform.” [2]
“Our approach offers a fairer, greener alternative – it doesn’t pay for election tax bribes by slashing spending on public services.
“Instead, it argues the case for real reforms and investment that put people and planet first.
“That is why we are proposing a wealth tax that will begin to shift the cost of dealing with the long-term crises we face away from those who can least afford to pay it to the super-rich.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
[1] budget-background-v3.pdf (greenparty.org.uk)
[2] https://ifs.org.uk/publications/context-march-2024-budget
The Green Party has repeated calls for water companies to be brought into public ownership in response to the latest State of Our Rivers report [1]. This has found not a single waterway in England is in good overall health. The Rivers Trust study reveals that the impact of pollution from treated and untreated sewage and agricultural and industrial runoff means rivers are in a worse condition than ever.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The state of our rivers is a national scandal. Despite public outcry over our polluted waterways and coastline the latest State of Our Rivers report shows things haven’t improved since the last report in 2021.
“For too long water companies and consecutive governments have failed to act. Taking our water companies into public ownership, so they work for people, not profit, will be a clear Green Party manifesto commitment.
“For decades, money that should have been invested in improved infrastructure has been siphoned off to water company executives and shareholders. It’s time to flush this failed experiment with privatisation down the drain and for a service as vital as water and sewage to be run for the public good.
“It should also be acknowledged that agricultural pollution contributes to 62% of waterways in England failing to meet good standards. We need to learn from the many innovative farmers who are using regenerative and organic farming methods that prevent chemical runoff into rivers.
“Our rivers should be havens for wildlife and biodiversity and healthy places for people to enjoy. In too many cases they more closely resemble open sewers. Green MPs will make cleaning up our act on water pollution a key priority.”
Notes
[1] https://theriverstrust.org/rivers-report-2024
As Lee Anderson doubles down on his controversial comments made over the weekend [1], when he claimed "Islamists" had got "control" over London and that the mayor, Sadiq Khan had "given our capital city away to his mates", Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay, said:
“It is deeply concerning that neither Rishi Sunak nor his deputy have felt able to condemn the obnoxious Islamophobic remarks made by Lee Anderson, that mirrored remarks made earlier by the Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
“It is worth noting that the comments made by Anderson came on the same day that Tell MAMA, a national service supporting victims of anti-Muslim hate, announced that there had been a 335% increase in anti-Muslim hate cases since October 7 last year [2].
“It is frankly sickening that the extreme right of the Conservative Party are inflaming already ignited community tensions.
“Sunak needs to recall his pledge to act with integrity and challenge the divisive and dangerous rhetoric being used by some of his MPs.
“We need our leaders to work for unity rather than creating division. For some time, senior Conservative Muslims have been raising concerns about the extent of Islamophobia in their party and criticizing the failure of the leadership to tackle it. Sunak needs to make clear that there is no place for such views in his party, and to instigate an immediate review of Islamophobia.”
Notes
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2024/feb/26/rishi-sunak-lee-anderson-islamophobia-row-conservatives-tories-keir-starmer-labour-uk-politics-live?page=with%3Ablock-65dc80798f080da5c0a0af3b#block-65dc80798f080da5c0a0af3b
[2] Greatest Rise in Reported Anti-Muslim Hate Cases to Tell MAMA since Oct 7th - TELL MAMA (tellmamauk.org)
Green votes at the coming General Election will transform the UK, party leaders from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland declared today.
Meeting in London, the leaders pointed to how Green votes have already transformed people’s lives, from local councils and Westminster to the Scottish government.
Although each are an independent party, all agreed a common experience of the devastating impact of 14 years of Conservative government, and a shared vision of the policies needed to tackle the climate and cost of living crises.
Green Party of England and Wales co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“We are looking to build on Caroline Lucas’ outstanding record and aim to quadruple the number of Green MPs in England in Parliament at the next election. The next generation of Green MPs will work flat out to push our bold ideas on tackling the housing crisis, bringing down sky-high energy bills and cutting climate-wrecking emissions. Our MPs will be dedicated to creating a fairer tax system, including a tax on the super-rich, and ensuring our public services work for people not profit.”
Scottish Greens co-leader, and Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater said:
“The Scottish Greens became the first party anywhere in the UK to enter Government, when we formed a co-operation agreement with the Scottish Government after the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections. And I am so proud of what we’ve achieved since then. But this success didn’t happen overnight. It came on the back of 20 years of Green MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, being the progressive voices of transformative change, and building a track record of our party being a constructive but radical opposition force.”
Wales Green Party Leader Anthony Slaughter said:
“Wales Green Party will be running its biggest ever General Election campaign – a full slate across the country, aiming to get our highest ever national vote share. This will mark the start of our campaign for Senedd 2026 where we are on track to get our first Greens elected, providing the Green representation and scrutiny that our national parliament needs.”
Green Party of Northern Ireland leader Malachai O'Hara said:
“With a restored Assembly in Northern Ireland, after yet another hiatus with no Executive, the need for more Green MPs across the UK has never been greater. Northern Ireland has a shameful environmental record. We are the 12th worst place in the world for biodiversity loss and emit more per capita emissions than any other part of the UK. We face a housing crises and public services are on their knees. Green MPs from Northern Ireland will join our siblings from across the UK to fight for a cleaner, greener and fairer future for all.”
Notes
[1] The leaders of Green parties organising across the UK are:
- England & Wales: Co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay
- Scotland: Co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater
- Wales Green Party: Anthony Slaughter
- Green Party Northern Ireland: Malachai O'Hara
Photo of UK Green Party leaders attached. From L to R: Lorna Slater, Partick Harvie, Malachai O'Hara, Carla Denyer, Anthony Slaughter and Adrian Ramsay
Reacting to news that the Office for Environmental Protection has found that the government and regulators, Ofwat and the Environment Agency, may have failed in their legal duties to enforce clean water standards on privatised firms [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
"The government must stop defending the indefensible and act to enforce the very basic expectations the public have for clean rivers and beaches, and clean water to drink.
"The public are fed up with Ministers claiming that private companies constantly discharging sewage into rivers and onto beaches is unacceptable, but then doing nothing to enforce existing laws.
"We don't need months more of legal squabbling between the regulators, government and privatised water companies.
"We need action now. That means the government forcing companies to invest rather than pay out shareholder dividends, capping excessive pay to failing water company bosses and bringing our water back into public ownership as soon as possible."
NOTES
- https://www.theoep.org.uk/news/oep-identifies-possible-failures-comply-environmental-law-relation-regulatory-oversight
Responding to the effective bankruptcy of Labour-run Birmingham City Council [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the next two years at least 26 councils in some of Britain’s most deprived areas are at risk of going the same way [2] and the Local Government Association has warned councils in England face a funding gap of almost £3 billion just to keep services standing still [3].
“Thirteen years of Tory austerity has left day-to-day local services delivered by councils crumbling. This cannot be fixed without extra revenue.
“This should serve as a wakeup call to Labour. It’s time to tax the super rich who have seen their wealth mushroom in recent years, so as to provide extra money to maintain vital public services.
“Even millionaires themselves have joined economists and politicians from around the world in calling for extra taxes on the richest [4]. Labour needs to play catch-up and pledge to tax the super-rich, or a future Labour government will drag the country into bankruptcy.”
The Green Party Group Leader on Birmingham City Council, Cllr Julien Pritchard, also blamed mismanagement from the local Labour Administration for the crisis. He said:
"Our Labour-run Council has been dealt an awful hand but they have also played it terribly. They have utterly mismanaged an equal pay crisis with awful consequences. Ordinary Brummies shouldn’t have to pay for Labour’s mess.
“The government will need to step in to ensure Birmingham residents don’t suffer - it’s vital this isn’t solved with a fire sale of the city’s assets at knock down prices.
“We need to see solutions that ensure those most in need in our city are protected. This includes tackling the Council’s appalling housing conditions, supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis, and protecting the vital services our residents rely on.”
Notes
-
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/05/birmingham-city-council-financial-distress-budget-section-114
-
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/28/at-least-26-english-councils-at-risk-of-bankruptcy-in-next-two-years
-
https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/lga-analysis-councils-face-almost-ps3-billion-funding-gap-over-next-two-years
-
https://taxextremewealth.com/
Responding to the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) crisis, where crumbling concrete has resulted in the full or partial closure of 104 schools, the co-leader of the Green Party Carla Denyer said:
“Our education system has been left crumbling after 13 years of Tory austerity. But successive governments have known about the problems with RAACgoingall the way back to the 1980s.
“Our schools are not fit for purpose. This was revealed during the pandemic when failures to properly ventilate our schools became apparent. We'vealso seen portacabins in place semi permanently in many schools. And now this dodgy concrete crisis.
“As chancellor,Rishi Sunak decided to axe investment in new schools from 100 to 50. That was despite a Department for Education survey that revealed the need to rebuild 300 to 400 schools.
“At the very least, the prime minister should reverse the decision he made as chancellor to halve the rebuilding programme. Beyond that we need proper investment in our schools’ infrastructure to bring buildings up to a standard fit for the 21st century.”
Notes
- Government 'halved funding for rebuilding schools' - BBC News
Carla Denyer, MP candidate for Bristol Central and co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, has urged residents to make clear their objections to the closure of ticket offices before the public consultation ends at midnight tonight [Friday 1 September].
The three-week consultation has been over proposals to close most of England’s 1,000 station offices, including at Bristol Temple Meads Station.
Carla said:
“Stations in and around Bristol are vital transport hubs for thousands of people and the ticket office staff there are often the only source of advice for people trying to navigate the ticketing system.
“Having a human presence at a ticket office is especially important for disabled and elderly passengers who may have additional requirements.
“The fact that our trains are operated by different, privatised companies already makes ticketing overly complicated, making ticket office staff crucial. And, in our current cost of living crisis, they are invaluable to helping people find the cheapest route to get from A to B.
“This is all part of the Government’s lack of investment in public transport in recent years to the detriment of people and communities, particularly the disabled and elderly who can become isolated without these crucial services.
“If the Government wants to save money on the subsidies it gives to private train operating companies, it should do what the Green Party has long proposed, return the franchises to public control when they expire so that money spent on trains goes back into trains - and ticket offices - not into the pockets of remote shareholders.
“Public transport should be run for people, not profit. I hope as many residents as possible are able to take part in this consultation before it closes today and make sure their concerns are heard.”
ENDS
Image of Carla at Bristol Temple Meads Station ticket office available upon request
Responding to the news that the government is scrapping ‘nutrient neutrality’ rules as a way to boost house building [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay has warned it could lead to the ecological collapse of our waterways and has repeated a call to take water back into public ownership.
Nutrient neutrality rules were put in place in 2017 by the EU. The rules prevent local authorities giving the go-ahead to new developments that are projected to add to river nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates, either through wastewater from new homes or run-off from building sites.
Ramsay said:
“It is beyond credulity that the government’s answer to dealing with our toxic rivers is to water down regulations and allow even more filth to flow into them. There’s a risk that scrapping nutrient neutrality rules will result in the complete ecological collapse of our waterways.
“Rather than weakening regulation we need firmer controls on private water companies and hugely profitable housebuilders. The Green Party would do this by taking water companies into public ownership, ending the siphoning off of profits to shareholders and investing instead in cleaning up our act. We’d also have a clear focus on affordable, high quality and environmentally friendly homes, by investing in a large scale council house building programme.
“The government’s reckless actions once again put the spotlight on Labour. Will they pledge that a future Labour government will reinstate rules which prevent developments polluting our waterways?”
Notes
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/28/uk-rivers-at-risk-as-michael-gove-rips-up-rules-on-new-housing
Responding to the new Ofgem price cap [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The new price cap underlines the urgent need for a government-backed home insulation programme targeted, in the first instance, at those most at risk of fuel poverty.
“The government should be announcing today funding and support for local councils to start a mass programme of cost-saving home insulation. With the right funding and determination, such a scheme could start to help people from this winter.
“Even with a lower price cap, bills are still higher than before the energy crisis and are likely to remain high for the future.
“Figures released earlier this week suggested that almost half of all British households - 13m homes - said they did not turn on their heating when it got cold last winter [2].
“The average home could save hundreds of pounds a year with decent insulation [3] and the government needs to support councils to reach them as soon as possible
“Insulating people’s homes means they can stay warm while using less energy,savemoney and produce fewer harmful carbon emissions.
“A mass programme of government-backed, council delivered home insulation starting before winter is a win-win solution for people and the planet.
“Government support should extend an emergency grant to homeowners and landlords aimingurgent support at those most in need.
“And it is well beyond time to break the link between electricity and gas prices that so distorts the market that it pushes up electricity prices for the public even as cheaper renewable electricity sources could be pushing prices down.
“We have the opportunity now, starting with support for the most at-risk people, to create warmer, more comfortable homes and in the process create millions of jobs, reduce bills and cut carbon emissions.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/energy-prices-fall-again-winter
2
https://www.which.co.uk/policy-and-insight/article/too-scared-to-put-the-heating-on-13-million-households-not-heating-their-homes-when-its-cold-due-to-energy-bill-fears-which-warns-aXpY84U6BJaS
3
https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/insulation/insulation-cost-and-savings
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the Press Office press@greenparty.org.uk 0203 691 9401
Reacting to today’s GCSE results, Vix Lowthion, Green Party Lifelong Education spokesperson, said:
“Many students will rightly be proud of the GCSE, BTEC and T-Levels grades they have got today – outcomes achieved through hard work and excellent teaching. It’s a day to congratulate both students and teachers.
“However, in education as in every other policy area, levelling up is just a slogan. The attainment gap between students from more affluent backgrounds and those from disadvantaged situations has grown ever wider under this Conservative government.
“We know that growing levels of poverty impact on being able to eat nutritious food, the quality of housing and having access to books and the internet which all have negative consequences on opportunities for child development and learning. The attainment of disadvantaged pupils is calculated to be 1.5 years behind that of their non-disadvantaged peers by the end of secondary school.
“We must address the country’s chronic inequality by increasing taxes on the super-rich to raise the funds needed to boost key public services like health and education and to bring down the cost of living for the poorest in society through programmes like mass home insulation.”
“The Green Party also believes that a move towards continuous assessment and away from a system of high stakes exams is critical to closing the attainment gap.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the Press Office press@greenparty.org.uk 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has today repeated a call for a 10:1 pay ratio to ensure that the highest paid individuals in an organisation receive no more than ten times the amount of the lowest paid.
The call comes as this year's annual report by the High Pay Centre reveals that median pay for FTSE 100 CEOs increased by half a million pounds, from £3.41m to £3.91m between 2021 and 2022. Median FTSE CEO pay is now 118 times that of the median UK full-time worker [1].
Co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay, said:
“The UK’s leading fat cat bosses are raking in obscene levels of pay while many of their workers struggle to make ends meet in a cost of living crisis. That’s why the Green Party is repeating a call for a 10:1 pay ratio, mandated by law, to ensure that the highest paid individuals in an organisation receive no more than ten times the amount of the lowest paid.
“Such a policy would drive an uplift in wages for the lowest paid workers while addressing rampant and ever-widening inequality.
“We also know it is the wealthiest that are having a hugely disproportionate impact on the climate crisis. The world’s richest 1% are responsible for 15% of carbon emissions, nearly twice as much as the poorest 50% [2]. It is clear that a 10:1 pay ratio would help create a fairer and greener country.”
Notes
-
https://highpaycentre.org/ftse-100-ceos-get-half-a-million-pound-pay-rise/
-
https://news.sky.com/story/wealthiest-1-polluter-elite-are-driving-global-carbon-emissions-says-new-report-12274350
Responding to today’s A Level results, Vix Lowthion, Green Party Lifelong Education spokesperson, said:
“All students collecting their results today should be applauded for their unique achievements - this Class of 2023 never sat their formal GCSE exams, and so congratulations are in order for all staff and students who have worked hard to get their grades.
“Yet the disadvantage gap at A Level remains too wide, with poorer pupils continuing to lag behind the most privileged. At current rates of progress this gap will never close. Class sizes in state schools in England are the highest since records began - and this Conservative government has no policies, plans or funding proposals to address this.
“In addition to the challenges in schools, students who are planning to take the next steps and go to university face the significant costs of tuition fees and also possible continued disruption due to industrial action as a consequence of the refusal of some universities to negotiate a resolution with lecturers.
“Young people achieving today are owed a lot more support throughout their future than they have been granted by this government in the last 13 years.
“The Green Party remains committed to abolishing tuition fees for university students, and to properly funding education at school, vocational and university levels. It is only through investing in our young people that we can ensure they have all the opportunities that they deserve.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the Press Office press@greenparty.org.uk 0203 691 9401
Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter has said the closure of the Ffos-y-Fran coal mine [1] should mark the next chapter in Wales’ rich industrial heritage and its journey to becoming a renewables powerhouse.
Slaughter said:
“Fuelling the nation’s energy needs is part of who we are in Wales. Coal has been central to that, but our future now must be as a renewables powerhouse.
“And it is vital that everybody is included as we make this transition. That means we need investment in renewables alongside financial and training support for those workers who will now lose their jobs as a result of the closure of this mine.
“The Welsh government refused to step in to stop this coal mine operating 11 months after its planning permission ran out. That is one more symptom of Labour’s failure to deliver a clean green future for everyone.
“Our natural resources provided the fuel for the Industrial revolution. Now our natural resources - wind, sun and water - can lead a green industrial revolution.
“Local people have led the campaign to end coal mining and restore our natural environment. Now they need the Welsh government to support them, show political leadership and deliver a shared vision of Wales as a renewables powerhouse.
“In the first instance, that means government holding the company to its promise to restore the environment. Then, we need investments in green jobs of the future that respect Welsh people’s historic contribution to meeting the energy needs of the whole UK.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxek2j20x5lo
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Following the government announcing it plans to increase rail fares by less than the rate of inflation and will delay fare increases until March 2024, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay has called on the government to go further and freeze rail fares for at least the next year [1].
Contrasting year on year rail fare rises with the freeze in fuel duty for drivers and cuts to air passenger duty for domestic flights, Ramsay has urged the government to ensure that rail passengers are not penalised for using a more sustainable form of transport.
Adrian Ramsay said:
“This government is moving in completely the wrong direction. Fuel duty has been frozen since 2011, while air passenger duty cuts this year will be a disaster for the climate crisis by encouraging people to fly more.
“This is despite the fact UK rail passengers are already paying more to travel by train [2] than flying and are faced with some of the most expensive tickets in Europe.
“Emissions from transport are higher than for any other sector of the economy. If the UK is to meet its climate commitments then we need more people choosing trains over cars and planes, and we need more commuters opting for public transport and active travel to get to work.
“Making train travel more expensive, while closing rail ticket offices that support travellers to get the best deal, would underscore the government’s contempt for climate action and the travelling public.
“Pushing up prices at all would make it harder for hard-pressed travellers to make the right decision for pocket and planet.
“That is why I am urging the government to come forward with a plan which will freeze rail fares. This would help address the cost of living crisis while helping to tackle the climate emergency.
“The Green alternative to the continued rundown of our railways is clear - make train travel affordable, safe and easy.
“That means bringing the whole rail system into public ownership, making sure it is always cheaper than the equivalent route by air or road, and encouraging more freight onto rail.
“That’s a win-win for the public and tackling the climate crisis.”
Notes
-
The rise in rail fares each January is usually based on the annual increase in Retail Price Index (RPI) measured the previous July. The price cap is usually announced by the Government each December. The government has indicated that next year’s rise will be below inflation and any increase will also be delayed until March 2024. However, the Green Party believe there should be a fare freeze. Next year’s English rail fares rise will be below inflation, says Government
-
Recent research suggests train travel is 35% more expensive than flying, despite the fact that plane journeys on average emit twice the C02 on average (118% more) compared to travelling by train, while fuel duty is frozen
The Green Party has called for grouse shooting season which is due to begin tomorrow (August 12), on what is known as the Inglorious 12th, to be cancelled following reports of avian influenza in red grouse in Scotland [1].
Green peer Natalie Bennett has called for all shooting activity to stop and for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to investigate how prevalent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is among birds on grouse moors.
Bennett said:
“We have seen reports today that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, the disease that is cutting such a swathe through our wild bird populations, has just been found in red grouse in Scotland.
“Grouse moors, with their maximum annual population, are a bio-disaster waiting to happen tomorrow when the shooting season opens.
“It’s extremely concerning that, as things stand, tomorrow will see people walking and driving all over the moors, with their shotguns at the ready, about to pick up at least some of those lead-laced carcasses and spread them around the country.
“How, even given the prominent position of grouse moor owners and shooters in our corridors of power, can this biorisk be accepted?
“All shooting due to take place must be halted while this risk is fully investigated to ensure the safety of both wildlife and people across the country.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://raptorpersecutionuk.org/2023/08/10/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-confirmed-in-red-grouse-in-scotland/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Reacting to the revelation that former Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers had a substantial shareholding in oil giant Shell during her time in the Cabinet [1], Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
"Of course it's unacceptable that the former Secretary of State didn't register the shares when her holding increased in value. However, what was the person in government with responsibility to deliver its key environment policies - including moving us away from fossil fuels - doing with shares in Shell at all?
“You have to question how serious the Conservatives are in tackling the climate crisis when the Cabinet contains people deriving financial benefit from fossil fuel company shares of any value.
"We need representatives in Parliament focussed on freeing us from our dependence on oil and gas which is destroying our planet and instead investing in the energy sources of the future - wind, sun and water.
"Investing in renewable energy now will create sustainable green jobs and support workers in the oil and gas industry to transfer their skills and experiences to the energy sources of the future."
NOTES
1 https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/top-tory-theresa-villiers-70k-30675878
In response to the government’s so-called “small boats week,” the Green party has called instead for a “Welcome Refugees Week”. As 500 asylum seekers are set to be housed on a barge off the Dorset coast and the government announces steep increases in fines for landlords and employers who house and give work to asylum seekers [1], Benali Hamdache, Green Party spokesperson on Migration and Refugees, said:
“No barge is a suitable home for refugees. Most people who reach our shores and claim asylum are doing so completely legitimately due to fleeing war, persecution, discrimination or climate breakdown. The vast majority are desperate people who need to be met with compassion. Housing them in a barge is to treat them as prisoners and is heartless.
“The Green Party would open safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. With such routes, many refugees would not be forced into making a dangerous crossing of the English Channel.
“We want this week and every week to be “Welcome Refugees Week.” Rather than a heavy-handed approach on landlords and employers who house and give work to asylum seekers, Greens would enable families seeking protection to be accommodated in a house or flat and for single applicants to have their own room if in shared accommodation. We would also allow applicants of working age to be allowed to take up employment. This is not only the humane approach, it also acknowledges the economic and cultural benefits refugees bring to communities across the UK.”
Notes
- https://news.sky.com/story/bibby-stockholm-asylum-seekers-may-be-housed-on-barge-from-today-as-govt-unveils-new-migration-policy-12935246
Today marks Earth Overshoot Day, the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. However, the UK’s overshoot day has already passed - it fell on19th May [1]. In a week when the government has made a series of measures which will make the overshoot even worse, the Green Party has launched an ‘Earth Overshoot Day action plan’ to help move the UK date as late as possible.
Co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Earth Overshoot Day is an important reminder that as a globe and as a nation we are currently living beyond the environmental limits of our one precious planet. It falls in a week when the government seems hellbent on overshoot. Maxing out on climate destruction by issuing new licences for oil and gas drilling; failing to tackle the climate crisis in tandem with the cost of living crisis through measures like home insulation; and fueling culture wars over measures which seek to make our neighbourhoods safer and healthier.
“It is important we recognise the hugely unequal way in which the world’s resources are consumed, with multi-billion pound corporations and a small number of individuals bearing the largest responsibility for overshoot. This is why Greens would increase taxes on fossil fuel polluters and the super-rich to address inequality and fund the green transition.
“We have set out three key areas - energy, housing and transport - where if policies for a fairer, greener country were implemented, we could help move the date of Earth Overshoot Day as we move faster towards living within the environmental limits of our one planet.”
Green Party Earth Overshoot action plan
If we are to move the UK’s Overshoot date from its current date of May 19 - there are three key policy areas that we need to address:
Energy
- No new oil and gas exploration. Ever. This follows the science. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Energy Agency and the United Nations say that there can be no new fossil fuel projects if there is to be any chance of keeping global temperature rises under 1.5 degrees.
- Revoke all licences for oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. We challenge Labour to commit to the same.
- A huge boost for renewable energy by investing in renewable energy generation, including onshore wind and in the infrastructure needed for powering up the country with green electricity.
Housing
- Launch a nationwide home insulation programme to cut both carbon emissions and household energy bills, tackling the climate emergency and cost of living crisis in tandem.
- Adopt new building standards that ensure all new homes are built to passivhaus or similar standards, and all new homes are fitted with solar panels and heat pumps as standard where possible.
- We need the right homes in the right place at the right price. Expensive, energy-intensive homes built on greenfield sites with high car-dependency will result in high carbon lifestyles. We need affordable homes, built largely on brownfield sites close to where people work, shop and engage in social activities.
Transport
The Tories have embarked on a culture war pitting ‘motorists’ against everyone else. But most of us use a variety of ways to get about - walking, cycling, public transport and cars. We all want clean air to breathe, safe routes to walk and wheel, and reliable and affordable public transport. Greens would:
- Support schemes which make streets safer for walking and wheeling - this has been demonstrated to encourage more people to switch from cars to cleaner and more active forms of transport.
- Introduce a ‘£1 fare to take you there’ for all single journeys on buses, as well as free bus travel for under 22 year-olds. And investment in buses and bus routes to serve more communities more frequently.
- Introduce a frequent flyer levy, where those taking the most flights pay the highest tax. The majority of people take one or fewer flights in any given year. We don’t think the tax burden should fall on them but instead on the 15% of the population who take 70% of flights.
Notes
1
Country Overshoot Days 2023 - Earth Overshoot Day
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Today marks Earth Overshoot Day, the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. However, the UK’s overshoot day has already passed - it fell on19th May [1]. In a week when the government has made a series of measures which will make the overshoot even worse, the Green Party has launched an ‘Earth Overshoot action plan’ to help move the UK date as late as possible.
Co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Earth Overshoot Day is an important reminder that as a globe and as a nation we are currently living beyond the environmental limits of our one precious planet. It falls in a week when the government seems hellbent on overshoot. Maxing out on climate destruction by issuing new licences for oil and gas drilling; failing to tackle the climate crisis in tandem with the cost of living crisis through measures like home insulation; and fueling culture wars over measures which seek to make our neighbourhoods safer and healthier.
“It is important we recognise the hugely unequal way in which the world’s resources are consumed, with multi-billion-pound corporations and a small number of individuals bearing the largest responsibility for overshoot. This is why Greens would increase taxes on fossil fuel polluters and the super-rich to address inequality and fund the green transition.
“We have set out three key areas - energy, housing and transport - where if policies for a fairer, greener country were implemented, we could help move the date of Earth Overshoot Day as we move faster towards living within the environmental limits of our one planet.”
Green Party Earth Overshoot action plan
If we are to move the UK’s Overshoot date from its current date of May 19 - there are three key policy areas that we need to address:
Energy
- No new oil and gas exploration. Ever. This follows the science. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Energy Agency and the United Nations say that there can be no new fossil fuel projects if there is to be any chance of keeping global temperature rises under 1.5 degrees.
- Revoke all licences for oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. We challenge Labour to commit to the same.
- A huge boost for renewable energy by investing in renewable energy generation, including onshore wind and in the infrastructure needed for powering up the country with green electricity.
Housing
- Launch a nationwide home insulation programme to cut both carbon emissions and household energy bills, tackling the climate emergency and cost of living crisis in tandem.
- Adopt new building standards that ensure all new homes are built to passivhaus or similar standards, and all new homes are fitted with solar panels and heat pumps as standard where possible.
- We need the right homes in the right place at the right price. Expensive, energy-intensive homes built on greenfield sites with high car-dependency will result in high carbon lifestyles. We need affordable homes, built largely on brownfield sites close to where people work, shop and engage in social activities.
Transport
The Tories have embarked on a culture war pitting ‘motorists’ against everyone else. But most of us use a variety of ways to get about - walking, cycling, public transport and cars. We all want clean air to breathe, safe routes to walk and wheel, and reliable and affordable public transport. Greens would:
- Support schemes which make streets safer for walking and wheeling - this has been demonstrated to encourage more people to switch from cars to cleaner and more active forms of transport.
- Introduce a ‘£1 fare to take you there’ for all single journeys on buses, as well as free bus travel for under 22-year-olds. And investment in buses and bus routes to serve more communities more frequently.
- Introduce a frequent flyer levy, where those taking the most flights pay the highest tax. The majority of people take one or fewer flights in any given year. We don’t think the tax burden should fall on them but instead on the 15% of the population who take 70% of flights.
Notes
- Country Overshoot Days 2023 - Earth Overshoot Day
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the Press Office
The Green Party has condemned the government’s drive to “max out” North Sea oil and gas reserves, warning it will fuel further climate destruction and do nothing to help tackle the cost of living crisis. [1]
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Today’s announcement from the Prime Minister appears to be nothing more than a cynical attempt to stoke division at the expense of both the climate and people across the country who are already struggling with rising living costs. Such an announcement, as evidence of climate breakdown is all around us and shortly after the UN Secretary General has said we are in an era of ‘climate boiling’, makes Sunak nothing short of a climate criminal.
“To say we need to burn more fossil fuels from the North Sea in order to meet net zero by 2050 is blatant greenwash.
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Energy Agency and the United Nations have all made clear there can be no new fossil fuel projects if there is to be any chance of keeping global temperature rises under 1.5 degrees.
“At the same time, more North Sea oil and gas will do nothing to help reduce people's bills, because it will all have to be sold back to the UK at the international market price.
“The only way to effectively and sustainably reduce people’s bills, tackle the climate crisis and create millions of jobs for the future is to invest in insulating people’s homes, invest in a rapid rollout of electric heat pumps, invest in cheap and accessible public transport, and massively ramp up renewable energy.
“While the Tories are helping their mates in the oil and gas sector, Labour are bottling out of using the power they have to stop this climate crime. Labour could effectively stop this today if they said they would reverse licences when they come into government: this signal would make investment in new oil and gas financially unviable. Starmer has the power to do this today and I urge him to use it.
“The solutions are already there. The government choosing to ignore them and expand oil and gas instead is an expensive and morally reprehensible decision that will make life harder for everyone.”
ENDS
1
https://news.sky.com/story/rishi-sunak-heads-to-scotland-for-net-zero-energy-policy-push-12930459
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to the High Court Judicial Review announcement on the extension of ULEZ to outer London, Green Party Co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Today’s ruling is welcome, and a signal to party leaders of all political stripes that they need to step up and show political leadership in tackling the environmental crisis.
“Clean air zones save lives - the issue is as stark as that.
“Green MP Caroline Lucas has been steering a Private Members Bill through Parliament that would provide for clean air for all, and the government should now back it.
“Of course, in a cost-of-living crisis, change must be paid for by the super-rich and the polluting companies raking in gigantic profits, not the poorest in society.
“The government must now outline the support for people, outside of London, who need to change cars so that the life-saving impact of clean air schemes are maximised when they are introduced.
“Ultimately, this is about cleaning up the air so people live longer, healthier lives. We should all support that”.
Results for energy supplier British Gas show there are “still massive profits to be made from letting the climate burn,” warns Green Party Co-leader Carla Denyer.
British Gas reported profits of £969m for the first six months of 2023, up nearly 900% from £98m in the same period last year.
Regulator Ofgem allowed the supplier to keep more of its earnings from supplying its 10 million customers during the energy crisis.
Denyer said:
“It’s not acceptable that customers struggling through a cost-of-living crisis are facing higher bills because the regulator and British Gas have done a deal allowing it to rake in a 900 per cent increase in profits.
“If nationalisation wasn't already one of the most popular Green Party policies there is - these profits very much make the case for the public to take control of this business.
“Making so much profit whilst so many people are struggling to pay their bills, shows our cost of living crisis for what it really is - a greed crisis.
“Fossil fuel companies drive the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but are still allowed to profit from their damaging activities. A carbon tax would target these big polluters and render coal, oil and gas financially unviable as cheaper renewable energies rise up to take their place.
“These green policies work best when everybody benefits. That is why our policy has always been to use the proceeds of a carbon tax as a social dividend. This will help people to get through this cost of living crisis and make the UK a more equal society. Yields from a carbon tax would provide the money to invest in free home insulation, properly-funded public services and a universal basic income.”
Responding to the Met Office State of the UK Climate report [1], Green Party Co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“We are sleep-walking into avoidable disasters. The Met Office report underlines, once again, that the climate is in crisis - and we need to act now to prevent the impacts overwhelming communities and the services we all rely on.
“The wildfires in Europe, and around the world, this summer have shown just how quickly services can strain and buckle.
“We know that this government failed to prepare properly for the Covid 19 pandemic, and it and the Labour leadership have spent the past week running away from the actions needed to both prevent climate-related disasters, and recover from them.
“The tragedy is that we know what needs to be done - but the government and Labour are refusing to show the political leadership we need.
“In 2019, we called for councils to be able to access a £3 billion a year Climate Adaptation Fund, prioritising those areas at highest risk and with the poorest populations.
“If that money had been provided by central government, local communities most at risk from the wildfires and flooding events that are becoming ever more common would be better prepared already.
“We need the government to support local authorities to make changes, but most of all, we need the government to wake up, take responsibility and lead.
“So, today, we’re repeating our call for a £3 billion per year Climate Adaptation Fund that prepares and gives local communities the tools they need to make change happen - from planting more street trees to tackle flooding and overheating in cities, to a public information campaign recognising the effects of heat stroke and what action to take.”
Denyer also outlined other changes necessary, such as:
- A national review of fire service preparedness to deal with the kind of wildfires now sweeping Europe, and a commitment from government to invest in the staffing, protective clothing and resources needed;
- Providing local fire service leads with the freedom to work with local communities to tackle wildfires in a way that best protects people, wildlife, habitats and property;
- Heat stress-testing of all essential infrastructure including railways, pipelines, pylons and roads;
- London Under Water [2], a report from the London Assembly Environment Committee chaired by Green Assembly Member Zack Polanski published in February 2023, found extreme weather events had already led to flooding in hospitals and residential and commercial properties and people trapped in cars. It called for new warnings to be issued to over 200,000 properties most at risk of flooding, including schools, homes and businesses. These recommendations should be followed and other local authorities should be supported to undertake similar studies;
- Populations at high risk from floods - including those living in basements and in high rise buildings - to be supplied with evacuation plans;
- NHS resilience plans dealing with the impact of prolonged heat waves to be regularly tested and the results published to increase public confidence;
- Local councils to be supplied with the resources needed to bring public fountains and safe public drinking water back into use in towns and cities;
- Cafes and restaurants become “heat-safe” spaces offering free water;
- Outdoor working regulations to be reviewed to prevent workers suffering heat stroke, including maximum legal working temperatures to be introduced, as called for by the TUC [3].
NOTES:
[1] https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/news
[2] https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023-01/London%20Under%20Water.pdf
[3] https://www.tuc.org.uk/blogs/it-too-hot-work#
In response to Michael Gove’s speech today in which he pledged to build more homes in urban areas rather than in the countryside [1], the Green Party have repeated a call for a Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter].
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer, said:
“Following our excellent showing in some Tory strongholds we are pleased to see that the government plans to prioritise building on brownfield sites. But he’s utterly failed to push for the right homes at the right price.
“His speech comes on the same day an investigation reveals that there are now more than 1.2 million families on the waiting list for properties and that the majority of local authorities have failed to build a single council home in the past five years [2].
“Too often speculators and developers are building their profits rather than the houses local people actually need. What is required is a massive increase in local affordable social and council housing built to the highest environmental standards so they cut household energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
“Our Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter will simultaneously protect valuable green space for communities, provide genuinely affordable housing, tackle fuel poverty and reduce climate emissions.”
Notes
-
Michael Gove relaxes planning rules to create more homes in city centres - BBC News
-
Revealed: Britain’s council housing shame as majority of councils fail to build a single home | The Independent
Responding to the three by-election results, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Greens came a credible third in each seat. We were the only party to increase our vote share in all three contests. That’s because we offered a clear alternative, though we were squeezed in the particular circumstances of these by elections.
“These were three Conservative seats with very significant majorities. A competent government that was providing solutions to the real, deep-seated crises facing our country would have held all three of them.
“The fact that they lost two of them underscores just how tired and fed up voters are with them. They have let the country down over the cost of living, over the climate emergency and over standards in public life. Now they are paying the price.
“Labour will make the best of the Selby result, but the truth is that a government in waiting - which is what Labour believe themselves to be - would have done even better against a Conservative Party that has been the most chaotic and damaging in modern history, crashed the economy and repeatedly failed the environment.
“Labour failed to take Boris Johnson’s old seat, vacated because the former Prime Minister was found to be a liar and a disgrace in Parliament. Labour lost Uxbridge because voters are fed up with all their flip-flopping and U-turning, this time over delivering clean air for West Londoners.
“The lesson for Labour is that they need to show clear and unambiguous leadership.
“The clearest message for me coming out of these byelections is that the country wants solutions to the climate and cost-of-living crises that are ruining people’s lives.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Brighton and Hove Green Party members today selected Sian Berry to become the next Green MP for Brighton Pavilion.
Berry was selected as the new Brighton Pavilion candidate after winning 71% of first preference votes. [1]
Berry is a former co-leader and principal speaker of the Green Party of England and Wales, and has been their candidate for Mayor of London three times, coming third in both 2016 and 2021. [2]
Berry said:
“It’s an enormous responsibility to continue the work of Caroline Lucas. Brighton Pavilion needs a Green MP in Parliament representing all the people across this wonderful constituency, and I can promise every voter in Brighton Pavilion that I will work every moment between now and the General Election to win their trust and support.”
Zoe John, Deputy Chair of Brighton and Hove Green Party, said:
“I am delighted to announce that Sian Berry won the support of members from a fantastic line up of high-quality candidates. Green Party members have chosen Sian to contest the next General Election and to build on the foundations laid by Caroline Lucas as the first Green MP for Brighton Pavilion.
"Brighton and Hove, like the rest of the country, is faced with the accelerating climate and nature emergencies, a cost of living scandal driven by increasing inequalities, and a broken political system.
"Between now and the General Election, Brighton and Hove Green Party members will be listening to voters and focussing on the issues that matter to them – demonstrating why a Green voice in Brighton Pavilion will not only be a powerful local voice, but will also keep the city on the national political map.”
Caroline Lucas MP said:
“It has been the honour of my life to represent the people of Brighton Pavilion in Parliament for the past 13 years, and to see my majority increase at each of the past four elections.
“I am delighted that Sian has been elected by party members. There couldn’t be a more passionate and committed person to pick up the baton and continue this city’s tradition of doing politics differently, and standing up for what matters.
“I am certain that Sian will be a powerful Green voice in Parliament, holding to account whichever party forms the next Government, and championing the concerns of constituents.
“This country desperately needs more Green MPs. This is a critical decade for tackling the climate and nature emergencies, supporting people through a cost of living scandal, and campaigning for social justice and human rights. I can’t wait to see what Sian will do!”
NOTES
1
Sian Berry was selected as the candidate for Brighton Pavilion with 71% of first preference votes. Emily O’Brien came second and Dan Rue came third.
2
Berry has been elected to the London Assembly since 2016 and has been a councillor for the Highgate ward in Camden since 2014. In her work she focuses on preserving and securing new council housing and renters’ rights, making sure young people can thrive and promoting equality.
Berry worked mainly in the policy area of transport before joining the Assembly. She was a founder of the successful campaign group Alliance against Urban 4x4s in the early 2000s, and worked as a roads and sustainable transport campaigner for the charity Campaign for Better Transport for five years. She is also the author of a number of books on green issues.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer has responded to Tata’s decision to build a new electric car battery plant in Bridgwater, Somerset [1]:
“The end of the production of diesel and petrol cars is in sight, and workers in those industries need to know where their futures lie. Today’s announcement will hopefully provide some assurance.
“Of course, electric cars are not a silver bullet for the climate crisis. They bring their own environmental costs and do not, in themselves, encourage better public transport options.
“However, they will play an important part of a wider strategy to move people and goods in a more sustainable way, alongside better facilities for walking, cycling and public transport.
“This factory is a long-delayed, small step toward recognising the need for a rapid transition to a new economy. It would be better still if this new facility was designed to supply batteries for mass transit vehicles as well as cars.
“The government has spent too much time dealing with economic crises of its own making following Brexit, and flip-flopping on green initiatives. It has created huge uncertainty for businesses and employees about whether it is serious about moving toward a net-zero economy.
“One-off deals are no substitute for a government strategy that supports workers and businesses to create the new, sustainable green industries of the future.
“We need a government strategy to give people and businesses confidence that moves to a net-zero economy are urgent and irreversible.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66237935
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
A new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) refutes claims by Rishi Sunak and his government that larger wage settlements for public sector workers would fuel inflation [1]. They say that inflation-matching pay rises, financed from taxation, would have zero impact on inflation.
Reacting, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsey said:
“This research draws a line under the argument that paying public service workers decently fuels inflation. It shows that if inflation-matching pay rises were financed from taxation, the impact on inflation would be zero.
“Greens have long championed a wealth tax to help fund our public services, contribute towards the transition to a greener economy, and create a more equal society [2]. It is clear that such a tax - to fund proper pay rises for public service workers - will be all gain and no pain.”
Notes
- Public sector pay rises of 10% would add little to inflation, says UK thinktank | Public sector pay | The Guardian
- Tax wealthiest 1% to fund home insulation, say Greens - BBC News
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer has urged the government to introduce rent controls after an official survey from the Office for National Statistics found that 43% of tenants found it difficult to afford their rent between February and May [1].
Denyer said:
“Everyone deserves a place to call home and so it is simply unacceptable that the government is not doing anywhere near enough to help the thousands of people who are struggling to pay rents that are shooting up with no relationship to incomes.
“The government could help if it only had the political will. Unfortunately, it seems the Prime Minister is too out of touch to realise the very real consequences currently facing many across the country.
“An immediate rent freeze, alongside an eviction ban, would go a long way to prevent people being made homeless during this cost of living crisis.
“In the longer term, councils should be given the power to bring in rent controls in areas where the housing market is overheated.
“And I want to see much stricter controls on the type of new homes being built to include more affordable and social housing for buying and renting.”
Notes
1
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinances/expenditure/articles/impactofincreasedcostoflivingonadultsacrossgreatbritain/februarytomay2023
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Reacting to comments made by the boss of Shell in a BBC interview [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Without even the vaguest hint of irony, the boss of Shell, which recently vowed to scale back on its climate change pledges [2], says it would be “dangerous and irresponsible” to cut oil and gas production, blaming the slow pace of the transition towards renewables.
“This is fossil fuel spin at its worst. The truly dangerous and irresponsible thing to do is to continue with business as usual at a time when temperature records are tumbling on a daily basis [3] and the International Energy Agency has said there must be no new investments in oil, gas and coal [4].
“It is companies like Shell that stand in the way of a rapid move towards renewables, aided and abetted by a Conservative government that continues to grant licences for more oil and gas exploration.”
Notes
- Oil giant Shell warns cutting production 'dangerous' - BBC News
- Shell joins BP and Total in U-turning on climate pledges ‘to reward shareholders’ | Euronews
- Tuesday was world’s hottest day on record – breaking Monday’s record | The Guardian
- No new oil, gas or coal development if world is to reach net zero by 2050, says world energy body | Climate The Guardian
Responding to a consultation on the closure of ticketing offices at all rail stations, Green Party Transport spokesperson Matt Edwards said:
“Any decision to close station ticket offices would be another short-sighted decision by a government that does not care about people who use public transport to get around.”
Edwards, who is also Leader of the Green Party Group on Bradford Council, added:
“Anyone who uses the train will know that the machines at our stations are not reliable and they don’t always make it clear which ticket is the cheapest ticket to buy. This will also make it more difficult for people who need to pay for tickets with cash.
“Being able to speak to someone is vital for many passengers and plans to close ticketing offices will make travelling by train more different for thousands of passengers – especially passengers with disabilities, those with limited mobility and parents travelling with children.
“Instead of another needless fight with unions and passengers, the government should be focusing on getting services running on time, dealing with overcrowding and making travelling by rail more convenient and affordable. Closing ticket offices will achieve none of that.”
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer urged the government to deny Gatwick Airport a Development Consent Order, which it says it is applying for [1] and would allow the airport to create a second runway in a major expansion of its capacity.
Carla said:
“This is an immediate test for the government, coming just days after its own Climate Change Committee said there could be no more airport expansions, if it was to stand any chance of hitting its net zero goals [2].
“A second runway at Gatwick would be a disaster for the climate and could result in an extra 1.5 million tonnes of carbon emitted each year [3], at a time when the government’s own advisers say it is struggling to meet existing greenhouse gas reduction targets.
“The government could save everyone a lot of time, effort and worry by refusing this application outright.
“In recent months it has given the green light to new oil and gas fields, and a new coal mine.
“Yet the climate danger signal is flashing red. The government must make it clear that it will listen to its own advisers and ensure there is no new airport expansion at Gatwick or elsewhere.”
Councillor Jonathan Essex, Green Group leader on Surrey County Council and Reigate and Banstead Borough council, said:
“It is time for our Government to declare a moratorium on airport expansion and start taking its climate responsibilities seriously.
“Gatwick Airport's expansion is not only unacceptable on climate grounds but it will also make noise, air pollution and traffic worse locally.
“Instead of falling for Gatwick's inflated promises the Government should commit to creating the new jobs needed to deliver a zero carbon future across the surrounding area - a Green New Deal for Gatwick.” [4]
ENDS
NOTES
1
https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2023-07-03/gatwick-to-submit-expansion-plans-but-campaigners-vow-court-battle
2
https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/2023-progress-report-to-parliament/
3
This is calculated by applying the increase in carbon emissions set out by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) for 2016 up to 2028 for the proposed second runway using Gatwick Airport Ltd (GAL) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) figures.
- Estimate of 4.5 million tonnes CO2 from Gatwick in 2016 (DfT (2017) UK Aviation Forecasts. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/878705/uk-aviation-forecasts-2017.pdf (p146).
- Increase for 2017 based on CAA data to 283,000 Air Transport Movements from Gatwick (https://www.caa.co.uk/uploadedFiles/CAA/Content/Standard_Content/Data_and_analysis/Datasets/Airport_stats/Airport_data_2017_annual/Table_03_1_Aircraft_Movements.pdf).
- Applying uplift from 2017 to 2028 of 32% calculated by GAL during the Landing and Take-off Cycle (LTO) cycle of using the Northern emergency runway as a second runway https://www.gatwickairport.com/globalassets/business--community/growing-gatwick/master-plan-2019/gatwick-master-plan-2019.pdf (Figure 5.8).
4
A Green New Deal for Gatwick Airport: https://www.greennewdealuk.org/updates/a-green-new-deal-for-gatwick/
- Deputy leader Zack Polanski: “The ban on LGBTIQA+ people serving in the military was wrong 20 years ago, and it is unacceptable that it has taken over 20 years to address the harm done to people serving before that.”
- Cade Hatton, Co-Chair of LGBTIQA+ Greens: “It’s Pride Month. This is the time to act.”
The Green Party has demanded that the Government immediately release the report it commissioned [1] into the experiences of LGBTIQA+ veterans who served in the Armed Forces before 2000 - the year the ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces was finally lifted.
The call comes during Pride Month, with the completed report - commissioned by the Government in 2021 - now with ministers. [2]
Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski said:
“If the Government is serious about addressing this historic injustice, it must release the report immediately. The ban on LGBTIQA+ people serving in the military was wrong 20 years ago, and it is unacceptable that it has taken over 20 years to address the harm done to people serving before that.
“The Government was absolutely right to finally commission this review in 2021, but there is now no reason to delay publishing a report that has been completed and is sitting on the Minister’s desk.
“Let’s listen to the testimonies of the LGBTIQA+ people who served in the Armed Services under the ban, and hear from the government about what it will do to address the report’s recommendations in full.”
Cade Hatton, Co-Chair of LGBTIQA+ Greens, said:
“The pre-2000 ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces is just one example of the shameful and targeted discrimination of the LGBTIQA+ community by successive governments.
“This review was long overdue, but I am pleased the report is now complete. We need it published immediately, so that we can read the testimonies of LGBTIQA+ service personnel and finally put on public record their experiences under the Government’s discriminatory ban on homosexuality in the military.
“While we cannot ignore the harm done by the military industrial complex of the west to the rest of the world, we also cannot ignore the harm done to those who have served under a discriminatory organisation that has caused people to hide who they are or risk unemployment or worse. This report must be made public.
“For the sake of transparency, the Government must release the report and its full recommendations without any further delay, and commit to taking the action needed to restore justice for our community.
“It’s Pride Month. This is the time to act.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/lgbt-veterans-independent-review/about
2
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65846492
Responding to the news that the Bank of England has raised interest rates by 0.5% to 5% [1], Molly Scott Cato, Green Party finance and economy spokesperson, said:
“Today’s decision from the Bank of England will have a devastating impact on people across the country and shows once again how this Conservative government has failed to deal with this economic crisis.
“It’s no surprise the government is willing to take such a callous approach of doing nothing to help those who need it most when both the Chancellor and Prime Minister are millionaires. They seem to be completely out of touch with the impacts of inflation and interest rate rises on working people.
“It should be totally unacceptable for people on the receiving end of falling wages and rising prices to be told that they are the problem.
“And that is why Greens would be looking for ways to support the economy without fuelling inflation by shifting consumption from the wealthy to those on lower incomes.
“A first step would be to pay public sector workers in line with inflation. Since their output is not sold in a market it would only add indirectly to inflation.
“This could be funded by taxing the super-rich, whose consumption does contribute to inflation. Profiteering companies, financial speculators and the wealthy need to bear the burden of dealing with a crisis that is rooted in misguided ideology and Tory unfairness.
“And we would increase Universal Credit by £40 per week to help those who are in the most need right now.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://twitter.com/bankofengland/status/1671835716840480769
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has criticised the Labour Party’s announcement that it will not rule out the new Rosebank oil field if it is given the go ahead before the next election. [1]
Ahead of a speech by Keir Starmer in Edinburgh today, the Greens have urged the Labour leader to do another u-turn and announce he will oppose any new oil fields that get the green light between now and the election, in order to make any investments non-viable and avoid the dangerous impact on the climate.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“It is simply unforgivable that a Labour Party looking to build its green credentials is effectively giving its backing to the biggest undeveloped oil field in the North Sea, when it knows full well that we are in the middle of a climate emergency.
“The Green Party is clear we would not support the new Rosebank oil field. If Labour had the courage to take the same approach if it comes into government, it could make the investment completely non-viable and the dangerous climate impact would be avoided.
“Instead, Starmer’s promises of clean power by 2030 sound completely hollow when he accepts that oil and gas will be part of the mix 'for decades to come'.
“By rowing back on their £28bn climate pledge and now signalling it will allow new oil fields approved by the Conservatives to go ahead, it is becoming increasingly clear that Labour are simply not offering the sort of climate leadership the urgency of the climate crisis demands.
“Compared to the Green Party’s policies, Labour are going nowhere near far enough.
“The Green Party has pledged to invest almost £100bn each year for ten years to decarbonise our economy, including £25bn alone on insulating people’s homes, £12bn on increasing our renewable capacity and £14bn on rail and walking and cycling.
“By investing in the green economy we can tackle the cost of living crisis and the climate emergency at the same time, creating a fairer, greener country which will leave no one behind.
“Whatever happens at the next election, it is vital we have a group of Green MPs fighting for the environment and those who have been ignored for too long by the main two parties.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-65945214
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has accused Shell of betraying people and planet after it announced it was abandoning its plans to cut oil production each year for the rest of the decade [1].
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Shell’s abandonment of its plans to cut oil production is a betrayal to our planet and everyone living on it, in the interests of greed.
“We are in the middle of a climate crisis and we know there is one way, and one way only, to protect us from its most devastating consequences - and that is to leave fossil fuels in the ground.
“We also know that reducing our reliance on fossil fuels would be the most effective way to tackle the cost of living crisis which so many people across the country are struggling with day to day.
“For Shell to target more fossil fuel production and to increase payouts to shareholders is pure climate vandalism, and a sign that fossil fuel companies will not steer us to the greener future we all crave without political leadership from national governments.
“That is why the Green Party’s ‘dirty profits tax’ [2] would force the biggest polluters to pay for the damage they cause while protecting everyone else as we transition to a carbon-free future
“We would make this windfall tax a stepping stone towards a permanent carbon tax on polluting industries.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/shell-boost-dividend-cut-spending-new-ceo-plan-2023-06-14/
2
https://greenparty.org.uk/news/2022/02/08/greens-call-for-dirty-profits-tax/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has accused the Labour Party of failing the climate and the people of the UK after watering down its pledge to invest £28bn a year in green industries if it wins power at the next general election [1].
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“This highlights more than ever why it is necessary to have more Green MPs elected at the next General Election.
“We are witnessing environmental breakdown at an increasingly alarming rate, so you would have thought the Labour Party would understand that we need to see a transformational change if we are going to tackle the climate emergency along with the cost of living crisis that is causing so much harm in our society.
“Yet once again we see them offer a policy that does not go far enough, and then row back at the first sign of any difficulty.
“The Green Party has pledged to invest almost £100bn each year for ten years to decarbonise our economy, including £25bn alone on insulating people’s homes, £12bn on increasing our renewable capacity and £14bn on rail and walking and cycling.
“Only the Green Party is coming forward with the practical and sensible solutions to the crises this country faces and whoever wins at the next general election, it is vital we have a group of Green MPs fighting for the environment and those who have been ignored for too long by the main two parties.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65853872
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s plans to weaken the windfall tax on oil and gas producers, Green Co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“It is beyond comprehension that the government seems happy to allow these huge corporations to not only wreck the climate but to profit off the back of the cost-of-living crisis which they themselves have contributed to.
“The windfall tax was supposed to be designed to help cover the cost of government support to ordinary people facing rocketing heating bills over the winter, but because of existing loopholes has only raised, at £2.8 billion, a small proportion of what was expected. [1]
“Now the Chancellor wants to weaken it further by giving companies a free pass when energy prices fall and to further encourage investment in damaging new fossil fuel extraction.
“Instead, the government should be tightening the tax, closing the loopholes and ensuring the money raised helps people through the cost-of-living crisis and funds the sustainable green energy jobs in the renewable sector we urgently need as our dependence on fossil fuels reduces.
“Our ‘dirty profits tax’ [2] would force the biggest polluters to pay for the damage they cause while protecting everyone else as we transition to a carbon-free future.
“We would make the tax a stepping stone towards a permanent carbon tax on polluting industries.”
NOTES
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/09/north-sea-oil-and-gas-industry-offered-get-out-clause-on-windfall-tax
[2] https://greenparty.org.uk/news/2022/02/08/greens-call-for-dirty-profits-tax/
Caroline Lucas announced this morning that she does not intend to re-stand as a candidate for parliament in the next General Election [1].
Lucas has held the seat in Brighton Pavilion since being elected in 2010 and has increased her majority at every subsequent election.
Commenting on the news, Co-leader Carla Denyer said: “Caroline’s impact on politics in this country cannot be overstated: she truly is a force of nature and has been an extraordinary servant of the people of Brighton Pavilion as well as the Green Party. We are so proud of her achievements.
“Whether securing significant policy changes, shaping the conversation, or modelling a different way of doing politics - Caroline demonstrates how essential it is to have Green voices in UK politics. I’ve learnt so much from her, she is an inspiration to me and to many people inside and outside the Green Party who want to see positive change in politics .”
Co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: “Caroline’s contribution to our national life has been something to behold for the more than two decades we’ve known one another. Very few politicians can claim to have changed the course of the national debate in the way Caroline has. She has brought so much to us as a party, shown real integrity in her work and added a crucial dimension to our democracy in this country.
“Having MPs who are genuinely dedicated to standing up for the climate and nature could not be more important than it is right now and that’s why we are striving to get more Green MPs elected at the next General Election so that we can build on Caroline’s achievements.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://twitter.com/CarolineLucas/status/1666675402775883778
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to reports that the recruitment of nurses by high-income countries from poorer nations such as Ghana is "out of control" and leaving health systems struggling due to a "brain-drain" [1], Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party said:
“The recruitment of nurses from Ghana and other poorer countries shows that the impacts of years of Tory austerity and underfunding of the NHS is having ripple effects beyond our borders. The staff shortages and recruitment crisis facing the NHS is a direct result of Conservative government policies on pay and training.
“Neither does a £3bn cut in overseas aid help given the context of a global shortage of health workers [2]. The Green Party would double Overseas Development Aid from the current 0.5% of GNP to 1%.
“Poorer African countries can ill afford to lose nurses, and people in these countries are dying as a result. The WHO has drawn up a list of developing countries that should not be targeted when actively recruiting health or care professionals and NHS employers should be alert to this list [3].
“The UK can afford to pay nurses more and invest properly in our NHS, it’s just a question of political priorities. The Green Party would increase nurses' pay in line with inflation and restore nurses' bursaries, paid for through a tax on the super-rich. This would go a long way to solving the staffing crisis currently afflicting the NHS.”
Notes
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65808660
- https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9567/
- https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/code-practice-red-and-amber-list-countries
Green Party Finance and Economy spokesperson Molly Scott Cato reacted to Chancellor Jermey Hunt’s claim that a recession would be a price worth paying to bring down inflation [1]:
"It's easy for a millionaire Chancellor to advocate pushing people into losing their jobs and homes because failed Tory economic policies cannot deal with the cost-of-living crisis.
“However, it is totally unacceptable for people on the receiving end of falling wages and rising prices to be told that they are the problem.
“An effective and compassionate Chancellor would be looking for ways to support the economy without fuelling inflation. The most obvious would be to pay public sector workers in line with inflation. Since their output is not sold in a market it would barely add to inflation.
“This could be funded by taxing the super-rich, whose consumption does contribute to inflation. Profiteering companies, financial speculators and the wealthy need to bear the burden of dealing with a crisis that is rooted in misguided ideology and Tory unfairness.”
NOTES
[1] https://news.sky.com/story/chancellor-comfortable-with-recession-if-it-brings-down-inflation-12889607?lin
As figures from the Office for National Statistics show net migration to the UK reached 606,000 last year [1], the Green Party has reiterated its call for a new approach which is both compassionate and rational.
Co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“The talk today will be on the total number of migrants entering the UK but we must never forget that every person coming to the UK is a human being with the same ambitions, dreams and hopes that we all have.
“The figures are also misleading since more than a third of non-EU immigration is made up of international students who have been actively encouraged to come to the country and will eventually return home. There are also many thousands from Ukraine and Hong Kong, who have been received with compassion by the British people.
“As a rational step, Greens support separating the statistics out into those seeking asylum, students and those seeking work. We also welcome those seeking to work in the UK, who often bring vital skills and help boost the economy. We would scrap minimum income rules for visas and want the UK to negotiate to rejoin the EU free movement zone.
“Discussions on migration have become dominated by divisive rhetoric, stoked by the Conservatives and the right-wing media. Unlike Labour, we aren’t afraid to challenge this narrative. We welcome the diversity that people from other countries and societies bring to our educational establishments, our workplaces and our communities.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2022
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to the new Ofgem price cap [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“The new price cap underlines the urgent need to transition away from more expensive, environmentally damaging fossil fuels as fast as possible, both for the cost of living crisis and the climate crisis.
“Even with a lower price cap, bills are still higher than before the energy crisis and are likely to remain high for the future.
“So, the most financially and environmentally sustainable way to get people’s bills down is to focus on reducing the amount of energy people need to use.
“We need an emergency grant to homeowners, landlords and councils to fund immediate insulation improvements to those at risk of fuel poverty, so that those who need support most urgently get it first.
“And the UK must immediately take the simple and overdue step of breaking the link between electricity and gas prices, to end the absurd situation where even when electricity is being generated cheaply from renewables, everyone pays the much higher cost of electricity produced by gas power stations.
“It is common sense that a nationwide insulation and renewable energy programme will create warmer, more comfortable homes for everyone, creating millions of jobs, reducing bills for homes and businesses, stabilising the economy and reducing carbon emissions.”
Notes
1
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/customers-pay-less-energy-bills-summer
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Up to 10 million people in England would benefit from a Green Party pledge to abolish feudal forms of home ownership and replace them with a system that offers people choice and control [1].
Co-leader Carla Denyer, who has witnessed the growing crisis in leaseholds as a Bristol councillor, met with leaseholder Martin Madera to hear his concerns about the ownership model on Friday [19 May]. [2]
Denyer said:
“People feel trapped in their own homes by a form of ownership that loads them with rising, uncapped costs and gives them no say in how their properties are maintained or repaired.
“Government promises to cap spiralling costs linked to ground rents, service charges and exploitative property management companies haven’t given people control. Too many high rise flat owners have been saddled with fear and uncertainty over who will pay for hazardous cladding to be replaced in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy six years ago.
“Downing Street has now demolished Housing Secretary Michael Gove’s promise to do away with what he described as ‘feudal’ leaseholds [3], leaving millions of homeowners trapped.
“The Green Party’s Right Home, Right Place, Right Price Charter [4] set out how we would tackle the housing shortage while simultaneously protecting valuable green space for communities, reducing climate emissions, tackling fuel poverty and providing genuinely affordable homes.
“By abolishing leasehold in favour of ‘commonhold’ - a system widely used in other countries - we would democratise ownership and allow people to make joint decisions about what should happen in shared areas of flats and housing complexes.
“People could come together and choose their own management company, set their own service charges and take control of decisions around where they live.
“Between 2018 and 2020, the Law Commission produced a series of reports [5] calling for changes, but the government has largely offered warm words without substantial reform. We say it is time to act now for up to 10 million people who could have a better future.”
Martin Madera, a leaseholder in the Hotwells & Harbourside area of Bristol, has seen his building insurance shoot up from under £1,000 a year in 2020/21 to over £2,600 a year now and is battling to get the property’s owners to commit to fully replace hazardous cladding.
Martin says: “Leasehold is a nightmare - we cannot place building insurance ourselves despite paying for 100% of it and we cannot replace our managing agents unless the freeholder agrees. We even have very little say over the contract for essential remediation work that will be carried out on our home.
“I’m stunned that none of this was pointed out to me when I bought the property in 2010. We need fundamental reforms and we need them without delay.”
NOTES
1
Owners of long leasehold properties do not own the property outright - they are in a landlord and tenant relationship with the freeholder. The rights and obligations of the respective parties are governed by the terms of the lease agreement, supplemented by statutory provisions. Essentially, long leaseholders buy the right to live in the property for a given period.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities estimates there are 4.86 million leasehold homes in England, of which 69% are flats and 31% are houses. The majority of flats in the private sector are leasehold (an estimated 95% of owner-occupied flats and 70% of privately rented flats). Around 8% of houses in England are leasehold.
10 million Britons who own their homes in a leasehold - https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8047/
2
Pictures available - email press@greenparty.org.uk
3
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/may/10/plans-abolish-feudal-leasehold-system-england-wales
4
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2023/04/05/greens-call-for-right-homes,-right-place,-right-price-charter-to-beat-housing-crisis-and-protect-green-space/
5
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/leasehold-reform-in-england-and-wales/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to Labour leader Keir Starmer’s speech on the NHS [1], co-leader of the Green Party Carla Denyer said:
“Starmer claims that it’s not all about the money, but years of underfunding is the key challenge facing the NHS. More reorganisation and target setting will simply be rearranging the beds in the corridor. Staff shortages and recruitment problems can only be seriously addressed by offering NHS staff a pay rise in line with inflation.
"The Green Party will unashamedly go after the super-rich who have seen their wealth surge in recent years [2]. By increasing their taxes, we can ensure NHS staff are properly paid and that the years of underfunding of our NHS is addressed.”
Notes
1. https://labour.org.uk/press/keir-starmer-unveils-labours-mission-to-create-an-nhs-fit-for-the-future/
2. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/21/number-of-billionaires-in-uk-reached-new-record-during-covid-pandemic
The Green Party has said the privatised rail industry has reached the end of the line as FirstGroup’s contract to run Transpennine Express comes to an end following months of cancellations and delays on the main intercity rail line in the North of England.
Earlier this month, Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, confirmed FirstGroup – which runs the Transpennine Express – will be stripped of the franchise when its contract ends on Sunday 28 May and services will be run by an Operator of Last Resort.
Matt Edwards, Green Party spokesperson for Transport and Leader of the Green Party on Bradford Council, said:
“The shambolic levels of service on this crucial rail line has not only caused misery to passengers but has caused serious economic damage to towns and cities across the North of England.
“FirstGroup has consistently refused to take responsibility for the service and consistently used loopholes to try and hide just how bad a job they were doing [1].
“The privatisation and fragmentation of our railways just hasn’t worked - the privatised rail industry has reached the end of the line. The government is spending more money now subsidising the railways than it was in the 90s.
“Instead of delivering improvements, large amounts of money have been handed to private companies to give to their shareholders whilst rail fares have rocketed and services have got worse.”
The Green Party spokesperson also called for a complete rethink of how the railways are operated and funded.
“For decades now we have talked about our railways like they are a business that must be profitable. The truth is that our rail network is a public service that needs to benefit everyone. To do that it must be brought back into public ownership.
“Giving people affordable and reliable public transport as an alternative to driving will reduce congestion on our roads which will help tackle air pollution and reduce carbon emissions.
“We don’t expect our roads to make a profit. Why are the railways different?”
Notes
- https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/nov/27/revealed-north-of-england-train-line-vastly-under-reports-cancellations
The Green Party has reiterated its call for water companies to be brought into public ownership after Water UK apologised for presiding over a rising tide of sewage discharges.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Rivers and coastlines up and down the country have faced years of assault at the hands of the water companies and a government that has refused to act.
“Saying sorry is simply not enough - and suggesting that the public has to pay for any improvements, after £57bn has been paid out in payouts to shareholders over the last 30 years [1], just adds insult to injury.
“Currently water companies can, almost with impunity, dump sewage into our rivers, waterways and coastal waters with an appalling cost to public health and our wildlife. This situation cannot go on.
“For decades, money that should have been invested in improved infrastructure has been trousered by water company executives and shareholders.
“Only the Greens have the courage to challenge this failed experiment with privatisation and to say that a service as vital as water and sewage needs to be run by the public and for the public good.
“Shareholder payouts need to be halted with immediate effect and, ultimately, the water supply needs to be brought back into public ownership at the earliest practicable opportunity in order to end leaks, stop sewage discharges and cut bills.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/01/england-privatised-water-firms-dividends-shareholders
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has urged the UK government to halt all new fossil fuel projects with immediate effect after the World Meteorological Organisation said there was a 66% chance we will pass the 1.5C global warming threshold between now and 2027.
Green Party co–leader Carla Denyer said:
“Our climate and natural world is in breakdown and the reason for this is crystal clear - the burning of fossil fuels.
“Despite this, the UK government continues to drive us all into further climate chaos by opening new coal mines, offering new oil and gas licences and spending billions on building new roads.
“Let this be the moment which shows those in power that they need to be taking decisive action now. I am urging Rishi Sunak to do the right thing and cancel the Cumbria coal mine, stop the Rosebank oil field and drop all new climate-wrecking oil and gas licences immediately.
“It is only by keeping fossils in the ground and investing in measures which reduce our emissions and improve the quality of all of our lives that we will ever be able to address this climate and ecological emergency.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer has welcomed the government’s plans to end no fault evictions in a bill to be introduced to Parliament today [1], but urged it to go much further to protect those facing unaffordable rent increases in the middle of a cost of living crisis.
Denyer said:
“Everyone deserves a place to call home, and so I welcome the government’s plans to end no fault evictions, but this is an opportunity to go much further and help the thousands of people who are trapped in the private rental market by spiralling rents that bear no relationship to incomes.
“In the short term we need to see an immediate rent freeze, to go alongside an eviction ban, to prevent people being made homeless during this cost of living crisis.
“And then in the longer term, I want to see councils being given the power to bring in rent controls in areas where the housing market is overheated.
“At the same time, we need much stricter controls on the type of new homes being built to include more affordable and social housing for buying and renting.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65612842
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to today’s food and farming summit at Downing Street, co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay, said:
“A food and farming summit is welcome at a time when food prices continue to soar [1]. Such a summit is something the Green Party called for over a year ago [2].
“However, with the emphasis on supermarkets and major food manufacturers, it feels like this summit is lacking the transformative vision that we need. The door to Number 10 seems blocked to many UK small scale farmers and food producers who have creative ideas on supplying healthy and affordable food while at the same time showing how agriculture can help tackle the climate and ecological emergency.
“The Green Party has long supported regenerative agriculture, farming that works with nature rather than against it. A major focus here should be building farming systems that capture carbon, whether through organic farming or agroforestry, as well as the restoration of peatlands.
“There is a growing public trend towards more plant-based diets which provide new opportunities for UK farmers as well as easing the climate pressure from meat and dairy production. We need a horticulture plan to replace the plan withdrawn last month, but focused on local production for local markets rather than the mechanised vegetable factories favoured by the supermarkets [3].
“We should be seizing this opportunity to look at the successful farming methods which capture carbon, improve soil quality and increase biodiversity.”
Notes
-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65596502
-
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2022/03/11/greens-call-for-emergency-food-security-summit/
-
https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fruit-and-veg/horticulture-alliance-resigns-from-government-roundtable-ahead-of-sunak-summit/679218.article
- Greens make a record 200 gains - the highest ever growth in the party’s 50 year history
- Party gains majority control of a local authority for the first time - win in Mid Suffolk lays foundation for new MPs at General Election
- Made a total of 155 net gains from the Conservatives - cementing its position as the true opposition to the government in many places across the country
- Greens became largest party in Lewes, where the Conservatives were wiped out
- Breakthroughs in North East Derbyshire, Sevenoaks, New Forest, Southend-on-Sea, Havant, Erewash, Worthing, Staffordshire Moorlands and South Kesteven where Green candidate has ousted Conservative Council Leader and Greens have taken three other seats off the Conservatives
The Greens are celebrating a monumental local election result after the party made the most gains in its 50 year history and took control of a local authority for the first time in the UK - and Europe.
The Green Party went into this year’s local elections looking to defend more seats than ever before - following its record surge in 2019. However, not only did the Greens hold 223 of their incumbent councillors, but the Greens have gained 200 new councillors, taking the total number of Green councillors in England and Wales to a record 737, on a record 166 councils.
The Green Party has taken majority control of Mid Suffolk council - the first time that Greens have held a majority on a council anywhere in Europe. Greens are now also the largest group on several councils in No Overall Control, where they will be engaging in negotiations with other parties over coming days to form an administration.
The Greens gained at the hands of some significant conservative losses - taking a net 155 seats from the Tories. Lewes District Council, where the Greens are already in administration, saw the Greens become the largest party. The Conservatives were completely wiped out in Lewes, going from the largest group to having no councillors at all.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“This has been an historic night for the Greens and one which paves the way for success in the general election next year. I want to congratulate the hundreds of councillors and the countless volunteers who have worked tirelessly to achieve this incredible set of results.
“With our wins in places such as Mid Suffolk, Lewes and East Hertfordshire, it is clear that the Conservatives are crumbling and in many areas it is now the Greens who are the only real opposition. The sooner we have a general election the better.
“Voters are fed up of this Conservative government and are turning to the Greens because we offer a real alternative, with hard-working local councillors and sound practical policies to tackle local and national issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, housing, underfunded and run down public services and the state of our rivers.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
- 159 Green net gains so far - 127 from Conservatives
- Greens now largest party in East Hertfordshire after taking 17 seats from the Conservatives and holding two
- Largest vote share in Worcester, gaining four seats and defying predictions Labour would take overall control of the Council
- Breakthroughs in North East Derbyshire, Ribble Valley, Central Bedfordshire, Sevenoaks, New Forest, Southend-on-Sea, Havant, Erewash, Worthing, Staffordshire Moorland and South Kesteven where Green candidate has ousted Conservative Council Leader and Greens have taken three other seats off the Conservatives
- Cementing position as opposition in Labour strongholds of South Tyneside and Exeter
Commenting on the latest Green wins making the party the largest in East Hertfordshire , Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“We are exceeding expectations with an amazing series of wins across East Hertfordshire to make us the largest party there.
“We have gained 17 seats from the Conservatives and held on to our two seats, making us the largest party. When we started the day we had just two councillors. Indeed, In 2015, East Herts was 100% Tory. All 50 seats. Now it is in no overall control, thanks to Greens.
“People are turning to the Greens because we offer a real alternative, with hard-working local councillors and sound practical policies to tackle local and national issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, housing, underfunded and run down public services and the state of our rivers.
“The Conservative vote has crumbled. Green votes have soared and people are inspired to turn out and vote Green.
“We still have important seats to declare nationally later in the day and we remain optimistic of significant gains to come. These results are setting the scene for General Election breakthroughs where we will be able to add new MPs in places like Bristol, Waveney Valley in Suffolk, and Herefordshire.
“Overnight, we’ve had local election breakthroughs in Southend-on-Sea, Havant and South Kesteven and many more as the day has unfolded.
“We have cemented our position as the official opposition on South Tyneside and Exeter Councils. While in Worcester we achieved the largest vote share of 29%, gaining three seats from Labour and one from the Conservatives, defying some pundits' predictions who had expected Labour to take overall control of the Council.”
ENDS
Notes
1
Total make up of East Herts council:
50 councillors are elected every four years to serve on the Council.
Going into this year’s election, there were 40 Conservatives, six Liberal Democrats, two Greens and two Labour councillors.
Following the election, there are 19 Greens, 16 Conservatives, 10 Liberal Democrats, five Labour.
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the Press Office 0203 691 9401
- Greens win majority control of a local authority in the UK for the first time
- Mid Suffolk win lays foundation for new MPs at General Election
- Could become largest party in East Hertfordshire with 15 gains and two holds so far
- Largest party in Forest of Dean with 15 seats so far
- Largest vote share in Worcester, gaining four seats and defying predictions Labour would take overall control of the Council
- 126 net gains nationally - 96 gains from Conservatives
- Breakthroughs in North East Derbyshire, Sevenoaks, New Forest, Southend-on-Sea, Havant, Erewash, Worthing, Staffordshire Moorland and South Kesteven where Green candidate has ousted Conservative Council Leader and Greens have taken three other seats off the Conservatives
- Cementing position as opposition in Labour strongholds of South Tyneside and Exeter
Speaking from the victorious count for Mid Suffolk council, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Let the significance of this result sink in - this is not only the first time ever that a Green Party has taken majority control of a local authority in the UK, but the first time anywhere in Europe.”
Ramsay, who is parliamentary candidate for the new Waveney Valley constituency on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, said:
“This paves the way for success in the general election next year in Waveney Valley. Greens have taken majority control of the main council in the area, as well as winning all four seats in the two East Suffolk wards in the constituency (Bungay and Halesworth).
“Just a few months ago, a by-election saw us become the largest party on Bristol City Council.
“If these results are replicated in a General Election, we will be well on the way to my co-leader Carla Denyer being elected in Bristol and myself elected in Waveney Valley.”
Councillor Andy Mellen, leader of the Green councillors on Mid Suffolk District council, said:
“This result shows there is a real appetite for a party of sensible, practical people who are committed to making positive change in their community. That’s why so many people voted for us.
“We thank everyone who voted for us and put their trust in us to get things done.
“We are excited about the challenges ahead and feel there is a great deal we can achieve now that we control the Council, especially in areas such as housing, planning and making the Council more accessible.
“This isn’t a protest vote. Greens have steadily been building a presence here over many years. They have a track record of getting things done and that’s what people voted for.
“With such high support in Suffolk, we now have a great opportunity to get Adrian Ramsay elected as a Green MP at the next General Election to support the fantastic work Caroline Lucas is doing at Westminster.”
The Mid Suffolk result comes after a day of strong results. Ramsay said:
“In East Hertfordshire we have seen monumental gains, taking a previously safe Conservative council into no-overall control - and we could yet become the largest party there.
“It is clear that the Conservatives are crumbling and the sooner we have a general election the better.
“Voters are fed up of this Conservative government and are turning to the Greens because we offer a real alternative, with hard-working local councillors and sound practical policies to tackle local and national issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, housing, underfunded and run down public services and the state of our rivers.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Early overnight local election 2023 results show:
- 20 Green gains overnight
- Early projections point to well over 100 seat gains
- Largest vote share in Worcester, gaining four seats and defying predictions Labour would take overall control of the Council
- Breakthroughs in Southend-on-Sea, Havant and South Kesteven where Green candidate has ousted Conservative Council Leader and Greens have taken three other seats off the Conservatives
- Cementing position as opposition in Labour strongholds of South Tyneside and Exeter
Commenting on the state of play in the early hours of Friday, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Early results indicate that the Conservative vote has plummeted, and Labour has not made the gains it had hoped for in many areas. This reflects what we have heard on the doorstep. Greens are gaining from a deep dislike of the Tories and Starmer's uninspiring Labour. But it is also clear that voters have responded positively to our practical solutions to meet concerns on issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, housing, underfunded and run-down public services and the state of our rivers.
“Most of our key target seats will be declaring later in the day and we remain optimistic of significant gains to come. But so far, we are making gains from both the Conservatives and Labour and breaking onto new councils including Southend-on-Sea, Havant and South Kesteven.
“In a sign of what’s to come later in the day, we have cemented our position as the official opposition on South Tyneside and Exeter Councils. While in Worcester we achieved the largest vote share of 29%, gaining three seats from Labour and one from the Conservatives, defying some pundits' predictions who had expected Labour to take overall control of the Council.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact the Press Office 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has slammed Labour over its U-turn on a pledge to abolish student fees, something that was in Labour’s 2019 election manifesto and Keir Starmer promised to support during his leadership campaign [1].
Co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay, said:
“This is the latest U-turn from Keir Starmer’s Labour and this time it’s students who are paying a heavy price. The Green Party thinks tuition fees should be scrapped and grants restored.
“Higher education is a public good and should therefore be properly funded by Government. Students in England pay some of the highest fees in the world, while in Scotland, Germany and Sweden university education is free. This shows that the whopping £9000 charge for students, introduced by the coalition government and now backed by Labour, is a political choice. Publicly funded higher education is not only possible but essential to a society committed to equality and social mobility.”
Co-chair of the Young Greens and a student at Oxford University, Kelsey Trevett, added:
“This U-turn from Labour is deeply disappointing but is exactly what we have come to expect from Keir Starmer’s Labour. It is no surprise that the architects of tuition fees won’t commit to their abolition, and for millions of students, this solidifies what we already knew: Labour is not on our side. Sky-high tuition fees are adding to the yawning gap between the generations and the growing sense of injustice among young people.”
Notes
- Labour set to ditch pledge for free university tuition, Starmer says - BBC News
- Green Party co-leader: “A vote for the Green Party is a vote for climate action”
The Green Party has reiterated its call for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels as climate activists gather in London this weekend [1] and said a vote for the Greens in the local elections next month is a vote for climate action.
Several high profile Greens will be speaking during the four days of action, taking place from Friday 21 April to Monday 24 April, which have been organised by Extinction Rebellion with the support of many leading environmental charities and civil society groups. The organisers have said the event will be peaceful and non-violent.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“While the Green Party cannot speak for the organisers of this event, it is clear that we share their aim of moving beyond fossil fuels.
“Our climate is facing breakdown and nature is in freefall. Those in power should be taking decisive action now. The fact they aren’t doing is why events like these, and getting Greens elected at all levels of government, is so important.
“At the Green Party, we share the positive and ambitious vision of those joining this event, but our route to action is through electoral politics. We share their main demand that we get serious about transitioning away from fossil fuels.
“We also share the frustration at a government failing to quickly move us to net zero and instead take us in the wrong direction by granting permission for a new coal-mine, giving a green light to more oil drilling in the North Sea and investing billions in new roads.
“That’s why we desperately need more Green politicians both in parliament and running local authorities across the country, pushing for urgent action on the climate and ecological emergency.
“On May 4th millions of people will have the opportunity in the local elections to vote for a political party that places the climate and ecological crisis front and centre stage. A vote for the Green Party is a vote for climate action.”
ENDS
Notes
1 https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-big-one/
Responding to strike action by junior doctors, co-leader of the Green Party Carla Denyer, who has today joined junior doctors on the picket line, said:
“Junior doctors are absolutely right to call for their pay to be restored to pre-austerity levels. Most people clearly agree that it is unacceptable for junior doctors to work ever longer hours while being asked to accept a real terms pay cut. A new poll shows 54% of the public back junior doctors taking action, while only 26% oppose [1].
“Years of government underfunding has pushed the NHS to breaking point and resulted in poor pay, thousands of unfilled vacancies, declining working conditions, overworked staff, and stretched capacity. Strike action by junior doctors and other health service workers is the inevitable consequence.
“The Green Party is committed to a properly funded NHS. We would increase investment by at least £6bn each year and ensure junior doctors and other health workers are decently paid. And to tackle the fact that one in three hospital beds in parts of England are occupied by patients well enough to be discharged but unable to access social care [2], we would also provide free social care.
“Health and social care, free at the point of use, could be funded through a wealth tax on the richest 1%, a single unified income tax - raising an additional £24 billion - or adding a social care levy to a more progressive tax system. Failure to provide adequate funding for decent health and social care is a political choice.”
Notes
- https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-junior-doctors-beginning-96-hour-walkout-as-industrial-action-to-last-until-saturday-12593360?postid=5759113#liveblog-body
- Up to one in three English hospital beds occupied by patients fit for discharge | NHS | The Guardian
Speaking at the launch of their local election campaign in Stowmarket, the co-leaders of the Green Party said hundreds of communities were poised to elect Greens to represent them at every level of local government.
Co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“In towns and cities and villages all across the country, Greens are gaining the trust and confidence of voters. Why? Because they want something different from the status quo. They want - and we hear this again and again - people that are really listening, not taking their support for granted and going about business as usual.”
The launch was held in Mid Suffolk because the Green Party is on track to become the largest party on the council. Co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who hopes to become the next MP for Waveney Valley, said:
“Here in Mid Suffolk we are on track to make history and become the largest party on the council - an incredible feat and a credit to the fantastic councillors already working hard for the people that live here, and the candidates who will join them next month. This shift is also a credit to the residents of this county - who have asked for something different and had their request answered.”
“Greens are winning in all kinds of communities. What we’re hearing in our neighbourhoods, is that regardless of where people live or what they look like, they share our values. They’ve seen what Greens in their communities are achieving and they want more.”
The Green Party used the launch of their local election campaign to announce their Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price charter to address the housing crisis and ensure green spaces are protected.
Adrian Ramsay said:
“Our Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter will simultaneously protect valuable green space for communities, reduce climate emissions, tackle fuel poverty and provide genuinely affordable housing.”
Greens today (Wednesday 5 April) will call for local councils across the country and the government to sign up to a new Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter to beat the housing crisis and ensure green spaces are protected. [1]
The Green Party will launch its Local Election campaign 2023 in Stowmarket, Suffolk, where easy to heat, affordable homes are out of reach for too many people. [2]
Co-leader Adrian Ramsay, Parliamentary Candidate for Waveney Valley which includes much of the Mid Suffolk district, said:
“We need councillors and national government to work together to deliver the homes people need and can afford to rent and buy, where people need them.
“Today, speculators and developers are allowed to chase the biggest profits and ignore local needs. Too many villages and towns have seen large-scale developments take place without the community infrastructure expanded alongside, such as GP surgeries, bus services, cycling and walking networks and nurseries and schools.
“What we need is local councils supported to build quality, affordable housing in the right places where people live and work, with the right supporting infrastructure and local facilities.
“Our Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter will simultaneously protect valuable green space for communities, reduce climate emissions, tackle fuel poverty and provide genuinely affordable housing.
“We’ve seen how Green councillors have made a difference in Mid Suffolk, where developers are now expected to provide EV points, not connect to the gas grid and provide heat pumps as standard.
“The villages of Suffolk and Norfolk are facing the same problems as much of the rest of the country - developers being allowed to build houses local people often can’t afford and failing to ensure local services like buses and GP surgeries get the investment they need.
“Developers are being allowed to ride roughshod over the needs of communities and the environment and this has got to stop.”
Co-leader Carla Denyer, who is a serving councillor and Parliamentary candidate in Bristol, said:
“Up and down the country, people are experiencing the same problems as people here in Stowmarket - homes that are unaffordable to buy, unaffordable to rent and unaffordable to heat. There is a generation of people who are trapped in the private rental market by spiralling rents that bear no relationship to incomes.
“To address this, in the short term, we would introduce an immediate rent freeze and eviction ban to prevent people being made homeless in the middle of this cost of living crisis, as the Scottish Greens have already done as part of the Scottish Government.
“In the longer term, we would give councils the power to bring in rent controls in areas where the housing market is overheated. We would also place much stricter controls on the type of new homes being built to include more affordable and social housing for buying and renting.
“Everyone deserves a place that they can call home. That is why our Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter will deliver the change we want to see across the housing sector and create fairer, greener communities.”
The Greens’ Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter would:
- End the housing crisis by creating enough affordable homes – including 100,000 new council homes a year built to the Passivhaus or equivalent standard
- Empower local authorities to bring empty homes back into use
- Transform the planning system to:
- Incentivise renovation and improvement of existing buildings to reduce the environmental impact of new construction
- Incentivise local authorities to spread small developments across their areas, where appropriate, rather than building huge new estates
- Protect valuable green space for communities
-
Require new developments to be accompanied by the extra investment needed in local services, such as providing extra school and GP places and better bus services
-
Transform building regulations to ensure:
- all new private and public sector housing meets Passivhaus or equivalent standards
-
house builders include solar panels and heat pumps on all new homes.
-
Ensure all new developments will be located and designed to ensure that residents do not need cars to live a full life
- Introduce rent controls
- End no-fault evictions
Councillor Andy Mellen, leader of the Green councillors on Mid Suffolk District council, said: “Greens make a difference when elected. I want to see a stop to unplanned development. Instead, we need the delivery of truly affordable and sustainable homes, with the infrastructure provided so that the ‘liveability’ of our communities is improved.
“These are the practical, radical solutions that Greens across the country are offering to implement if elected on 4 May.”
Carla Denyer added:
“This year’s local elections are a crucial step for the Greens as we look to not only defend hundreds of seats across the country but continue our unprecedented growth, breaking through on to new councils and gaining control of councils where we already have representation.
“With the cost of living crisis, the climate crisis and more and more people looking for a fresh political voice, it has never been more important to get Greens elected.”
Adrian Ramsay added:
“Over the last few years, we have seen Green councillors elected in record numbers, winning seats from Labour and the Conservatives in roughly equal numbers, in rural and urban areas alike. We know that people like what they see.
“That’s why we are fully expecting this growth to continue this year right across the country, be that in places like Lancaster and Lewes where we are already in administration, or Mid Suffolk where we could gain control of the local authority.” [3]
Notes
-
The number of households in England is projected to rise from 23.2 million in 2018 to 26.9 million in 2043 – an average increase of around 150,000 households per year. (ONS, Household projections for England, 2018-based: Principal projection dataset, 29 June 2020). According to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ ‘English housing survey 2021–22’, 4.6 million households (19%) rent privately; 4 million households (17%) rent from a social landlord, and 65% of households in 2021–22 were owner occupiers These comprised 35% who owned their home outright and 30% with a mortgage.
-
https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmunds/news/scale-of-suffolks-social-housing-problems-unveiled-9299006/
-
Greens currently hold 12 seats on Mid Suffolk District Council and are the second largest party, with the ruling Conservatives on 17 seats. Greens could take control of Mid Suffolk on 4th May. Much of the Mid Suffolk District is in the new Waveney Valley Parliamentary constituency where Adrian Ramsay is standing as the Parliamentary candidate. Across Suffolk as a whole Greens hold 31 seats, nearly all of which have been won from the Conservatives..
-
The Green Party currently has 563 councillors on 172 principal authority councils in England and Wales. It will be defending 281 seats in this year’s local elections in May and will be looking to make further gains across the country.
Responding to new data from the Environment Agency which show that there was a total of 301,091 sewage discharges in 2022, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
"It is nothing short of a national scandal that our rivers should be treated in this way. There is simply no excuse for raw sewage to be spilled into rivers 824 times a day - especially in a year when most of the country faced a drought.
“The situation we currently have across the country where water companies can, almost with impunity, dump sewage into our rivers, waterways and coastal waters cannot go on. The Green Party wants to see a halt to all dividend payouts to shareholders until these companies sort their sewage out and ultimately for the water supply to be brought back into public ownership at the earliest practicable opportunity.
“After years of failing to invest adequately in infrastructure, the private monopoly model is broken with rivers facing an assault from all directions, made all the worse by inaction from the government.
"The water industry cannot continue to be rewarded for failure."
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Detaining desperate people on boats, barges and disused military bases is the latest outrage in a calculated attempt by government to dehumanise asylum seekers as part of its election strategy.
“Together with the Illegal Immigration Bill that will cast adrift thousands of people seeking protection in this country, these proposals will cause real harm to already vulnerable people.
“The humane alternative is an asylum system that works. That is one with clear, open, safe and legal routes for applicants, quick and efficient determinations and support for resettlement into local communities with properly funded local services.”
The Green Party has warned the UK government that a net zero strategy which offers a boost to fossil fuels would be a “grave betrayal” of its citizens and future generations, amid reports that its planned “green day” this week could include more support for oil and gas [1].
As the government prepares to announce its revamped net zero strategy on Thursday, the Greens have urged Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to choose the policies that will bring the most benefit to households across the UK as well as to the environment.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The government this week has an opportunity to introduce measures that will create a win-win for our environment and the economy at large.
“Instead, we are hearing reports that what should be a boost for households across the country, in the shape of cheaper, cleaner energy and a reduction in emissions, will instead be a boost for the climate-wrecking fossil fuel industry.
“If what we fear is correct, this will be a grave betrayal of households up and down the country who want cheap, clean energy that doesn’t cost the earth, as well as future generations who will wonder why more wasn’t done to tackle the climate crisis when we had the opportunity to do so.”
The Greens have called on the government to:
- Introduce a carbon tax targeting the biggest polluters to provide funding for a mass insulation programme and renewable energy revolution to cut domestic energy bills and reduce emissions
- Invest £25 billion a year for ten years to carry out deep retrofitting of ten million homes and provide insulation improvements for every home that needs it.
- Invest £12 billion a year for ten years on rolling out renewable energy including:
- Paving the way for 70% of the UK’s electricity to come from wind power by lifting the de facto onshore ban and introducing new support and incentives to accelerate wind energy development
-
Introducing new support for solar, geothermal, tidal, hydro and other renewables to provide much of the rest
-
Make solar panels mandatory on the roofs of all suitable new homes
- A national programme to replace polluting boilers with renewable heat from heat pumps
- A commitment to provide no new investment in or permit the development of new fossil fuels
Ramsay said:
“Any claim from the government that burning ever more fossil fuels from the North Sea will help the UK meet its international obligations to become net zero by 2050 [2] has no connection to reality.
“Just last week, the latest IPCC report painted a grim picture of the future if action to tackle the climate crisis isn’t taken immediately. [2]
“The UK government, along with governments around the world, has an increasingly small window of opportunity to secure a sustainable future for all and limit global temperature rise.
“But with the recent announcements in the Spring Budget and reports that its own ‘green day’ has been watered down, this government continues to stick its head in the sand at everybody’s cost.
“There are huge benefits to be made if the government puts the right policies in place now. For example, the UK is seriously behind other European countries when it comes to installing heat pumps. However, new research has shown that we could reduce our gas imports by half if we installed them at the same rate as Finland [3]. If the government put the right long-term policy measures in place now, then we could see this sort of reward very soon.
“The government has a chance to achieve a win-win this week, but it looks like they’re going for a lose-lose-lose which will be bad for the economy, bad for our pockets and bad for the climate.”
Notes
1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/24/uk-government-launch-revamped-net-zero-strategy-oil-gas-capital-aberdeen
2. https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2023/03/20/green-party-response-to-ipcc-synthesis-report/
3. https://eciu.net/media/press-releases/2023/gas-imports-could-be-halved-in-ten-years-if-uk-matched-finland-on-heat-pumps
Responding to the The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Synthesis Report [1], Adrian Ramsay, co-leader of the Green Party, said:
“The IPCC paints a grim picture of the future if action to tackle the climate emergency isn’t taken immediately. They point to a small window of opportunity that governments still have to secure a liveable, sustainable future for all and limit the global temperature rise to 1.5C.
“This report should be a loud alarm bell for the UK government, but it seems they’re just not listening. The Spring budget shows the Tories are asleep at the wheel when it comes to the climate crisis. Instead of investment in public transport and active travel, we got a fuel duty freeze; rather than meaningful investment in abundant and affordable renewables such as onshore and offshore wind, tidal and solar, we got the promise of expensive nuclear which will take over a decade to come on stream. And still no end in sight to the granting of licences for further fossil fuel exploitation or a carbon tax to make polluters pay for the damage they cause to our environment.
“The IPCC calls for action on climate change that also provides wider benefits. Greens have long argued that actions such as insulating homes, putting in place infrastructure to boost walking and cycling and a move towards a more plant based diet can all have positive impacts on health and address the cost of living crisis.”
Notes
- Scientists deliver ‘final warning’ on climate crisis: act now or it’s too late
- Spring Budget relies on unproven technologies to tackle climate emergency rather than practical, Green solutions
- Chancellor fails to give public sector workers a pay rise that matches inflation, a pay rise that they deserve.
- Carla Denyer: “Only the Green Party offers the economic policies that prioritise health and wellbeing and the protection of our environment over unfettered economic growth.”
Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement today [Wednesday 15 March], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“This is yet another Conservative budget that fails to address the climate emergency or the crisis facing our public services.
“Proven and effective measures to tackle the climate crisis were glaringly absent. Rather than a nationwide insulation programme, that would not only tackle greenhouse gas emissions but also keep people warm and reduce their energy bills, we get big bucks thrown at technological fixes like carbon capture and storage which isn’t commercially viable and runs the risk of allowing polluters a free pass.
“And instead of meaningful investment in abundant and affordable renewables such as onshore and offshore wind, tidal and solar, we get expensive nuclear which will take many years to come on stream.
“The chancellor delivered his statement as thousands of workers walked out on strike over pay and conditions, quite rightly saying enough is enough. Jeremy Hunt failed to step up to the plate and give public sector workers a pay rise that matches inflation; the pay rise that they deserve.
“This was presented as a budget for growth. But we know from past experience that an obsessive focus on economic growth enriches the few, impoverishes many and wrecks our climate while trashing the natural world. This business as usual approach certainly does result in growth - growth in air pollution; growth in sewage discharges into our waterways and coastline and growth in inequality.
“The sort of growth the Tories have in mind is revealed by their plans to create 12 new Investment Zones across England. Such zones will provide opportunities for tax avoidance by the wealthy, pit communities against each other - with those outside the zones subsidising services for people inside them - and undercut environmental standards.
“There were welcome incentives for small and medium sized enterprises to invest in research and development but where were the incentives to support businesses to green their operations, especially energy intensive industries?
“Only the Green Party offers the economic policies that prioritise health and wellbeing and the protection of our environment over unfettered economic growth. That is why our demands focus on restoring public services - especially our health service - and paying public sector workers properly; offering cheap or free public transport for all and measures to help businesses and communities reap the rewards of a move to a green economy.”
Ahead of today’s budget, the Green Party called on the Chancellor to include [1]:
- 35 hours a week of free childcare for all, from the age of nine months
- A £1 single fare on all bus routes across England with free bus travel for young people, combined with major investment in buses and services and to ensure buses work for people, rather than the profit of large companies.
- Meeting the demands of public sector workers for a pay rise that matches inflation, to help regenerate our economy and restore our public services
- Stimulating green industries and reducing the cost of energy, by offering tax incentives to businesses investing in the green economy and changing planning laws to encourage community-owned renewables.
Notes
- https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2023/03/14/greens-set-out-fairer,-greener-plan-for-economy-ahead-of-spring-budget/
The Green Party has set out its plans for a fairer, Greener economy ahead of the Spring Budget on Wednesday, 15 March..
As thousands of workers prepare to go out on strike on the day the Chancellor announces his latest budget, the Greens have called for a raft of measures that would tackle inequality, help alleviate the worst impacts of the cost of living crisis and create the conditions for a more sustainable society [1].
Among the key proposals laid out by the Greens are:
- 35 hours a week of free childcare for all, from the age of nine months
- A £1 single fare on all bus routes across England with free bus travel for young people
- Meet the demands of public sector workers for a pay rise that matches inflation
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“It is nothing short of a tragedy that 12 years of Conservative government has left us with growing inequality, huge cuts to our public services which have undermined our entire economy, and nowhere near enough action taken on the climate crisis.
“We cannot accept tinkering around the edges from the main two parties any more. Only the Greens offer the bold common-sense policies to transform our economy and the lives of people living in this country, and do what is necessary to tackle the climate crisis.
On free childcare, Denyer said:
“The government’s inability to deal with the early years childcare cost crisis is symptomatic of a Conservative Party that is out of touch and doesn’t see the damage its lack of concern for everyday people does to the economy at large. Meanwhile, Labour fails to offer concrete proposals to offer people hope.
“The Green Party’s plan to provide 35 hours of free childcare for all from the age of nine months is a real and tangible offer that would make a huge difference to people’s lives, removing one of the major barriers for millions of people to working in a fulfilling and rewarding job.”
On low cost and free public transport, Denyer said:
“A £1 single bus fare on all routes across England and free travel for under-22s, combined with major investment in buses and services, would mean buses work for people, rather than the profit of large companies.
“Subsidising public transport can result in savings elsewhere, cutting the costs of congestion, reducing health costs associated with air pollution and helping tackle carbon emissions and the huge costs we will incur from the climate crisis.”
On public sector pay, Denyer called for the government to finally meet the demands of health service workers for a pay rise that matches inflation:
“Thousands of workers across the country are going on strike, quite rightly saying enough is enough - it is imperative that the government steps up to the plate and give public sector workers a pay rise that matches inflation.
“It is inexcusable that we have seen a period of decline in real wages not matched since the end of the Napoleonic War. At the same time the ultra-wealthy have seen their fortunes grow as asset prices increase. While the current crisis is often labelled a cost-of-living crisis it would be better thought of as a wages crisis.
“In this context, it is no surprise that we are seeing a wave of industrial action across the public sector. The conclusion is clear - to regenerate our economy we need to restore our public services and pay public sector workers properly.”
On a series of proposals to stimulate green industries and reduce the cost of energy, Denyer said:
“The USA and EU are providing massive subsidy programmes to green their economies. The Chancellor must dig deep to accelerate the green transition, especially for energy intensive industries. We support calls by the CBI to offer tax breaks to incentivise businesses to invest in the green economy rather than to pay profits out as dividends.
“Meanwhile, changing planning laws to encourage the development of onshore renewables, with particular incentives for community-owned renewables, would provide a real boost for cleaner and cheaper electricity.”
Notes
- The Green Party’s Spring Budget proposals “A Greener, Fairer Budget” is available here
Green Party conference today backed plans to end HIV transmissions by 2030. [1]
Green Party Health spokesperson Dr Pallavi Devulapalli said:
“There is a viable plan to end new cases of HIV in this country after 40 years of hard work and struggle.
“What a prize is within our grasp! To win it, we need the NHS and government to commit today to the recommendations of the HIV Commission, established by the Terrence Higgins Trust, National AIDS Trust and others. [2]
“That includes opt-out testing across every single NHS organisation to reduce the numbers of people diagnosed late with HIV. The latest HIV figures show a whopping 46 per cent of all people diagnosed with the virus were diagnosed late, with huge inequalities between different groups. [3]
“We’ve seen local authorities where Greens are in power working with their NHS to commit to the action needed. For instance, Brighton and Hove, where Greens run the council, is the first city in the country to adopt opt-out HIV testing as the norm.
“It means people with the virus will get diagnosed early, receive the treatment they need and cut the transmission rate. But the government is failing to provide the funds and leadership needed to roll this out across the NHS.”
Cllr Daniel Laycock, who has lived with HIV since 2018, and proposed the successful motion, said:
“Sexual Health is a core provision of the NHS. HIV testing should be routinely offered to patients in relevant settings, such as GP surgeries, Pharmacies, A&E departments, and in all sexual health clinics. Free home testing kits for HIV should be made available in all local authorities.
“Greens in government would invest heavily into a proper sexual health service, better healthcare for people living with HIV, and educational programmes in the education system and healthcare settings, and would fight to see an end to stigma around HIV/AIDs and sexually transmitted illnesses.
“Ending HIV transmission by 2030 is within our grasp and we cannot afford to let the opportunity slip away from us.”
Notes
-
The full motion can be read here: http://greencoordinate.co.uk/agenda/motions/ending-new-hiv-transmissions-by-2030-part-2/
-
https://www.hivcommission.org.uk
-
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hiv-annual-data-tables/hiv-testing-prep-new-hiv-diagnoses-and-care-outcomes-for-people-accessing-hiv-services-2022-report#cd4-count-at-diagnosis-and-late-hiv-diagnoses
The Green Party has reiterated that full membership of the EU remains the best option for the UK and has repeated its pledge to pursue a policy to re-join as soon as the political situation is favourable to do so.
Members at the Party’s Spring conference in Birmingham also agreed that the worst problems resulting from Brexit would be eased by re-joining the customs union, a speedy return to free movement of people between the UK and EU and signing up to a comprehensive agreement with the EU covering the protection of human, animal and plant life.
Welcoming the motion, co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“There’s not a single tangible benefit for the UK as a result of Brexit. It has been all pain and no gain. Every household is on average £1000 poorer [1] than they would have been if the UK had remained in the EU. Meanwhile, the EU Retention Bill threatens to make a bonfire of laws agreed in the EU that protect the environment and human and consumer rights [2].
“It is clear that the UK would be in a better position socially, environmentally and economically if we had maintained our place in the EU. That is why the Green Party is pursuing a policy of re-joining as soon as the political situation is favourable to do so.
“In the meantime, we believe that many of the worst problems created by Brexit would be eased by re-joining the customs union, negotiating the return of free movement of people between the UK and EU and signing up to a comprehensive agreement with the EU covering the protection of human, animal and plant life.
“Young people in particular are losing out. They didn’t vote for Brexit and most feel they are at heart European. Yet they are missing out on opportunities to explore, study and live on the continent. It is therefore vital that the UK continues its participation in the Erasmus+ scheme.
“Labour have thrown in the towel on Brexit. Their refusal to challenge in any serious way the extreme Brexit being pushed by Tory hardliners means only the Green Party is prepared to expose Brexit for the disaster it is and support rejoining the EU when the political circumstances are right.”
Notes
-
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-11745465/Brexit-cost-1-000-household-lost-productivity-says-BoEs-Haskel.html
-
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/18/brexit-eu-law-democracy-rishi-sunak
The Green Party is standing firmly with Gary Lineker over his suspension from Match of the Day.
At the party’s conference in Birmingham this afternoon [1] Co-leader Adrian Ramsay addressed sanctions placed on the football pundit for comments made on social media relating to the latest cruel Conservative asylum policy. He was met with rapturous applause from the conference floor.
Later, a motion in support of Lineker was passed by members.
Jack Lenox, Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson for the party said:
“The BBC’s decision to come down so hard on Gary Lineker over his tweets is indefensible. We wouldn’t have used exactly the same language as he did, but the point Lineker was making around the deliberately inhumane approach of Conservative asylum policy was entirely valid.
“We applaud him and the football community for standing together on this issue, showing teamwork and leadership on such a critical topic. Ironically, that’s something that’s severely lacking from our government.
“The deliberate stoking of this issue as part of an incessant Tory culture war also serves as a distraction from the urgent humanitarian crisis on our doorstep. The issue of desperate refugees should not be used as a political football.”
ENDS
Notes
1
The Green Party Spring conference is taking place in Birmingham from 11-12 March
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Green Party members have voted to extend family reunification rights to all migrants as part of a raft of new measures included in its new migration policy which was passed at Spring Conference today [1].
While the government and other opposition parties take an increasingly authoritarian line when it comes to migration issues, the Green Party has unequivocally reaffirmed its commitment to a more humane and practical approach which recognises the benefits of migration to all.
As part of the new policy paper voted in, the Green Party will now support the right for visa residents to bring members of their family to the UK who would normally live with them in their country of origin, or would do so if it were permitted by law or custom.
Under the Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukrainians are able to join family who are already settled in the UK [2]. The Greens now want to extend this to all visa residents.
Benali Hamdache, the Green Party’s migration and refugee support spokesperson, said:
"The war in Ukraine showed the huge generosity of many Brits. We opened our homes and welcomed refugees to this country. Campaigners successfully lobbied the government so that people with the right to live here could sponsor extended family members to escape Ukraine.
"But countless other citizens of other nationalities don't have these rights. Despite the deep historical ties we may share with those countries. Sponsoring a grandparent or a sibling is all but impossible for British Afghans, Yemenis, Turks, Kurds and countless other countries. Despite the conflict and disaster many places are facing right now
"The Green Party would expand the right to family reunification. Allowing grandparents and siblings to join family here. Keeping families apart is immoral, as is treating any nationality differently from another."
The Greens’ updated migration policy would also provide visa residents with the right to vote in all elections and referendums.
Hamdache said:
"Too many people live, work and study here but don't get a say on how we're governed. Our current rules on voting rights just don't make sense. Someone can be an EU citizen who has settled here for 10 years and not get a vote, but a newly arrived Commonwealth citizen does get a vote. A fair and just system would give anyone with the right to live in the UK the right to vote. That's how we build a truly inclusive and welcoming society."
Notes
-
The full text of the motion is available to see here: http://greencoordinate.co.uk/agenda/motions/migration-policy-working-paper/
-
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-ukraine-family-scheme-visa
Green Party conference today in Birmingham (Saturday 11 March) backed calls on the government to suspend a post-Brexit trade deal with the Faroe Islands until whale and dolphin hunts end. [1]
Green Party Natural World spokesperson Jonathan Elmer said:
“This is a real test for post-Brexit Britain. We need the government to recognise that the protection and promotion of nature must be central to bilateral trade deals.
“In the case of the Faroe Islands that has not happened, and the government should suspend the trade agreement until all whale and dolphin hunts end.”
The Free Trade Agreement with the Faroe Islands gives the government significant leverage when it comes to ending the killing of pilot whales and dolphins on the Faroe Islands
In 2019, the UK government finalised a free trade agreement with the Faroe Islands which allows for £100 million of exports of wild caught and farmed fish to Britain each year. That amounts to a significant 20 per cent of the Faroe Islands global trade [2].
Ben Samuel, who proposed the successful motion on behalf of Greens for Animal Protection, said:
"I am pleased that the policy statement on dolphins has been passed by Spring conference, the highest forum of the Green Party of England and Wales.
“Through the pandemic, while local action has been important, liberation groups have gone from strength to strength thanks to good use of technology in a member-led party.
“Animal protection is a hugely popular cause in the British public. We believe it is a vote-winner. Green members of parliament will continue their advocacy on behalf of these much loved animals, and that is why as a member of Greens for Animal Protection I am helping to elect more of them; from Brighton to Bristol.”
Notes
-
The full motion can be read here: http://greencoordinate.co.uk/agenda/motions/dolphin-hunts/
-
https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/news/171875/the-hunting-of-dolphins-and-whales-in-the-faroe-islands-to-be-debated-by-mps/
The Green Party has called for a halt to all further dividends to water company shareholders until the privatised monopolies end dumping sewage into the UK’s waterways and coasts.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay will make the announcement during an address to members at the Green Party’s Spring Conference in Birmingham today (Saturday 11 March). [1]
Ramsay said:
“Rivers up and down the country are facing an assault from all directions, made all the worse by inaction from government, water companies and regulatory bodies.
“The situation we currently have across the country where water companies can, almost with impunity, dump sewage into our rivers, waterways and coastal waters cannot go on. We are calling for a halt to all dividend payouts to shareholders until these companies sort their sewage out.
“After years of failing to invest adequately in infrastructure, the private monopoly model is broken.
“The water industry cannot continue to be rewarded for failure. The £57bn paid out in payouts to shareholders over the last 30 years [2] and hugely inflated salaries of water bosses should have gone towards improving standards. Instead, these companies have been awash with profits and leaking funds towards shareholders.
“Not only should shareholder payouts be halted immediately, but ultimately, to end leaks, stop sewage discharges and cut bills we need to take the water supply back into public ownership, which is what the Green Party believes must be done at the earliest practicable opportunity.”
At conference, Green Party co-leaders Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer will also provide members with an update ahead of this year’s local elections in May.
Ahead of the conference, Ramsay said:
“This year’s local elections are a crucial step for the Greens as we look to not only defend 100s of seats across the country but continue our unprecedented growth, breaking through on to new councils and gaining control of councils where we already have representation [3].
“Over the last few years, we have seen Green councillors elected in record numbers, winning seats from Labour and the Conservatives in roughly equal numbers, in rural and urban areas alike. We know that people like what they see. That’s why we are fully expecting this growth to continue this year right across the country, be that in places like Lancaster and Lewes where we are already in administration, or Mid-Suffolk where we could gain control of the local authority.
“With the cost of living crisis, the climate crisis and more and more people looking for a fresh political voice, it has never been more important to get Greens elected.”
ENDS
Notes
1
The Green Party Spring Conference will take place over the weekend of 11-12 March at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham
2
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jul/01/england-privatised-water-firms-dividends-shareholders
3
The Green Party currently has 562 councillors on 171 principal authority councils in England and Wales. It will be defending 281 seats in this year’s local elections in May and will be looking to make further gains across the country
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Green Party Co-leader Adrian Ramsay has welcomed a new report from UK In A Changing Europe, which highlights “sustained shift towards more positive attitudes towards migration” [1].
Ramsay said:
“More and more people are coming to understand the value of immigration to our cultural and economic life. As this report shows, Brexit and the pandemic highlighted just how vital immigration is to our country.
“Brexit closed down free movement of people and has created labour shortages in important sectors, while immigrants make up a significant proportion of the key workers - from supermarket shelf-packers, to care workers and health staff - who we all clapped for during the pandemic.
“The public increasingly recognises this and the Green Party is the only party that would renegotiate Freedom of Movement with the EU.”
NOTES
1
Immigration after Brexit: Where are we going? is published by UK in a Changing Europe (UKICE), together with the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford - https://ukandeu.ac.uk/research-papers/immigration-after-brexit-where-are-we-going/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to the small boats bill announced by the Home Secretary Suella Braverman today, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“This is the latest attempt by the Tories to stop desperate people finding sanctuary. Last year three quarters of all asylum claims were granted [1]. Despite this, the government seems determined to clamp down on those fleeing conflict, persecution or extreme poverty in a host of countries by failing to offer legal routes to the UK. This will force people to continue taking their chances arriving in small boats.
“The UK government appears to be on a mission to push the boundaries of international law and breach the European Convention on Human Rights. This will further damage the UK’s already shattered global reputation.
“The Green Party is the only party taking a strong stand against this cruel legislation and saying proudly that refugees are welcome. We want to see safe legal routes for anyone wanting to claim asylum. That’s the way to stop small boats making perilous journeys across the channel and break the criminal gangs involved in people smuggling.”
Notes
- Top facts from the latest statistics on refugees and people seeking asylum - Refugee Council
Responding to the deal agreed between the UK and the EU on the Northern Ireland protocol, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“We welcome closer cooperation between the UK government and the EU. Boris Johnson had promised an ‘oven-ready’ deal which has caused pain, division and turmoil for communities and businesses in Northern Ireland.
“Hopefully today’s agreement marks a turning point when we can begin to heal these problems and strive towards much closer relationships.”
Green Party founders, leaders and parliamentarians will gather today to mark the 50h anniversary of the founding of the Green political movement in the UK [1] - and the first Green Party in Europe.
Around 40 past and present leaders of the Greens including Caroline Lucas MP, Green peer Natalie Bennett, founding members Lesley Whittaker, Michael Benfield and Freda Sanders, and Jean Lambert former MEP, will meet for the opening of the Green Party archive at the London School of Economics [2].
The event marks the 50th anniversary of the first public meeting of PEOPLE, in Coventry on 22 February 1973. PEOPLE became the Ecology Party in 1975, before eventually becoming the Green Party in 1985.
Former leader Caroline Lucas, who became the party’s first MP in Brighton Pavilion in 2010, said:
"The Green Party has come a long way over 50 years – transforming the public debate on the need to tackle the climate and nature crises, winning the political arguments for meaningful action, and being instrumental in the climate emergency declarations from both the UK Parliament and over 300 local authorities.
“But with time running out, we urgently need more Green MPs to keep challenging the political status quo, demonstrating workable alternatives and standing up for a fairer, greener and more liveable future."
Current deputy leader Zack Polanski will also be at the event on Friday.
Polanski said:
“I'm so proud of the achievements of the Green Party - over the past few years, we've seen our councillor numbers rapidly rise.
“We still have a lot of work to do to meet the scale of the crises facing us and I know all over England and Wales members are ready to meet that challenge.”
ENDS
Notes
1
For more information about the 50th anniversary please visit: https://50years.greenparty.org.uk/
2
The event will mark the opening of the Green Party archive at LSE and exhibition: "Clothing this Naked Earth": politics and the planet which contains archive material
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
On the first anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
"We extend our solidarity to the people of Ukraine who have resisted a year of Putin’s war and we send our deep condolences to all those who have lost loved ones.
“War carries huge costs for all sides involved and we must all work to bring it to a just end as soon as possible.
“A just peace must include holding to account those responsible for the many atrocities, such as in Bucha, the sexual violence and indiscriminate attacks against civilians. These are war crimes that must be prosecuted.
“I welcome the UN General Assembly vote calling for Russia’s unconditional withdrawal, a just and lasting peace based on the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities [1].
“Countries around the world must now show their solidarity by engaging with the UN which recognises both Ukraine’s right to exist in peace and independence and the need to end the war.”
Green Party Global Solidarity spokesperson, and former British Diplomat, Carne Ross added:
"On this tragic anniversary, the Green Party stands with the people of Ukraine in their fight against invasion and aggression. We support democracy and self-determination and Ukraine's right to exist as an independent, free country.
“We utterly condemn Russia's continued hostility and aggression towards Ukraine, attacks against civilians and other war crimes.
“The Green Party also believes that Ukraine should be provided with the means for its self-defence, including battle tanks and other weapons.
“We call on the UN Secretary-General to engage in diplomacy to explore the pathway towards an end to this awful war, and call upon him to communicate between Russia and other nuclear powers in the ‘P5’ to minimise the risk of the use of a nuclear weapon.
“This war will end one day, hopefully with Russia's defeat and Ukraine's total liberation, but it remains incumbent on all to bring that day forward."
[1] https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/02/1133847
Responding to Labour Leader Keir Starmer’s speech setting out his “five missions” [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Keir Starmer has achieved the remarkable feat of combining lofty words with wrong-headed priorities to put our country on the road to further climate crisis and social injustice.
“His prioritisation of growth, seeking to put the UK economy at the top of the G7 table, made no mention of what limits there can be to such growth. It’s as if the climate and ecological emergencies suddenly cease to exist whenever there is talk of growth.
“Economic growth for its own sake will mean supercharging environmentally destructive industries, when what we need is rapid investment in home insulation and clean and renewable energy.
“His call for ‘An NHS actually fit for the future’ is meaningless without a socially just plan to make social care free at the point of use, as the Greens have proposed.
“The country needs an alternative that is bold and realistic. The public wants big changes, with huge support for wealth taxes, pay rises for workers and a climate proofed economy. That is the route to a fairer, greener country.”
[1] https://labour.org.uk/missions/
Responding to the six-month trial of a four-day week [1] which involved 61 companies almost 3000 workers, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“A four-day week works. This trial has shown it reduces stress, lowers levels of burnout, and prevents employees quitting.
“And while employees have had an extra day a week to do what they want or need to do, all without any loss to their pay, the companies involved report no decline in company revenue. What’s not to like about a four-day week?
“Workers in the UK currently work the longest hours in Europe [2]. This is having a detrimental effect on mental health and wellbeing for employees and reduced productivity for employers. It’s clear that our current model simply isn’t working.
“Greens have long championed the idea of a four-day week. This sixth-month trial proves that if it was to become the norm across the country we would have happier, more productive employees. There are clearly benefits for employers too, with less staff absence and higher retention rates; nearly all those involved in the trial have opted to retain the four-day week.”
Notes
[1] Nearly all firms stick with four-day week after 'incredible' trial of shorter hours - Mirror Online
[2] https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/british-workers-putting-longest-hours-eu-tuc-analysis-finds
With England facing hundreds more cuts to bus services due to the ending of government support [1], the Green Party is calling for the introduction of a £1 single fare on all routes across the country.
Coined, ‘A One Pound Fare to Take You There,’ the policy seeks to increase usage of buses - passenger levels in most areas have never fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
The Greens are also calling for free bus travel for everyone under 21, and protection of existing schemes such as free local bus travel for over 60s in many areas.
They say these incentives must be coupled with huge investment in new buses and bus services and to ensure there are no cuts to existing services. They also want to re-regulate bus services with all regions operating a franchise system, where local authorities determine routes and frequencies, as is currently the case in London and Manchester.
The Green Party say they would pay for bus service improvements by scrapping the £27bn road building programme - diverting this money to public transport - and allocating a proportion of their proposed carbon tax [2] to fund the £1 fare and free travel for under 21s.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“A One Pound Fare to Take You There scheme and free travel for under 21s must be combined with major investment in buses and bus services to boost bus travel across England.
“We also need our buses to work for people, not the profit of large private bus companies. This is why Greens want to see greater powers for local councils to set routes and frequencies rather than private companies cherry-picking the profitable routes while leaving other passengers out in the cold and some communities completely cut off.
“Subsidising public transport can result in savings elsewhere, cutting the costs of congestion, reducing health costs associated with air pollution and helping tackle carbon emissions and the huge costs we will incur from the climate crisis.”
Green Party councillor Ellie Chowns, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy on Herefordshire council, which introduced free weekend buses using Covid recovery funds [3], said:
“Low cost, or even free buses, is not pie in the sky. Here in Herefordshire we had a hugely successful trial of free weekend buses using Covid recovery funds.
“Across Europe low cost and free buses are a reality in many places too. Germany is introducing a heavily discounted monthly transportation pass; Luxembourg offers nationwide free public transport and the French city of Dunkirk provides free buses and trains which has led to less traffic and discouraged car use [4].
“Low cost or free public transport is all about political choices. We can pay for high quality public transport by scrapping the damaging road building programme and diverting this money to public transport, and allocating a proportion of our proposed carbon tax policy into funding the One Pound Fare to Take You There scheme.”
Notes
[1] Warning hundreds of England bus services face cuts - BBC News
[2] Greens call on government to bring in carbon tax at COP26 | The Green Party
[3] FREE Bus Travel in Herefordshire on Weekends - Hereford City Council
[4] Free public transport gains traction in Europe – DW – 06/05/2022
The Green Party has announced Zoë Garbett will be its candidate for the Mayor of London next year as she set out her vision for a Green London in 2024.
Zoë spoke of her plans to make London a Greener, fairer city with measures including free bus travel for young people and cleaner ways to use Silvertown Tunnel.
The Greens are London’s third party, and the first to select both a candidate for the Mayor of London and candidates for the London-wide Assembly list after a selection process culminating in early February.
Zoë, a councillor for the Dalston ward in Hackney, previously ran for Mayor of Hackney in 2022 where she came second.
Zoë said:
“I’m overjoyed to have been chosen to be the Green Party’s candidate for London Mayor and want to say a huge thank you to Greens across London who have selected me - I’ve been overwhelmed with the support and I can’t wait to start this campaign.
“I'm also delighted to be standing with so many fantastic Greens for the Assembly- I’d like to thank everyone who put themselves forward, with so many great candidates the competition was tough - this shows what an exciting future we have ahead of us as a Party.
“I got into politics because I cannot sit by and watch issues and people being ignored. Greens are compassionate, proactive and incredibly hard working. And with the multiple crises we are facing - the cost of living and housing crisis, the crisis in our workforce and of course the climate crisis - the need for more elected Greens has never been more urgent.
“Everyday, Greens are putting our values into practice - and people like what they see. Just imagine what a Green-powered London could look like!
“We have the energy, ideas & candidates to run our most ambitious campaign yet - not just to set the agenda but to turn city hall Green in 2024.”
Zoë added that she would continue the current work of the Green Party in London to tackle issues across the city: “Londoners need a campaigning mayor - who will stand up for them, fight back against austerity and fight for more rights. This includes more devolved powers to London but more importantly - more power for residents over decisions made about their lives, homes and communities. We understand the issues facing Londoners. We are ready to take action. It’s time for political change and we are ready.”
Sian Berry, the Green Party’s candidate for Mayor of London in 2016 and 2021, supported Zoë in this year’s internal campaign.
Speaking before the event, Sian said: “I am delighted Zoë was selected as the Green Party candidate for this vitally important role. She is a real talent, a breath of fresh air, and the best choice London could make for 2024.”
Notes:
-
Zoë won the internal selection with 51.2 percent of first preference votes, standing against two other internal candidates.
-
Members also selected the following as Green Party candidates on the London Assembly List:
Sian Berry
Caroline Russell
Zack Polanski
Zoë Garbett
Benali Hamdache
Scott Ainslie
Ria Patel
Nate Higgins
Claire Sheppard
Shahrar Ali
Pete Elliot
Responding to Downing Street's revelation that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak flew from Dorset to London and London to Cornwall in the space of 24 hours, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“The Prime Minister seems incapable of understanding just how damaging his personal addiction to flying such short distances so regularly is to his government’s stated aim of tackling the climate crisis. Private jets are up to 14 times more polluting than commercial flights and 50 times more polluting than taking a train. He should be showing some leadership in reducing his carbon footprint, instead he is insulting everyone who is trying to do their bit for the environment.”
*Demand to end all fossil fuel subsidies and windfall tax loopholes
*Call for carbon tax to fund renewable energy and home insulation
With the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero launched [1] on the day BP has announced record profits [2] and greenhouse gas emissions are confirmed to have increased by 5% between 2020 and 2021 [3], the Green Party has called for the new department to “genuinely focus all its energy on achieving Net Zero”.
The Party's co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, has called for a carbon tax in order to move the ‘grotesque profits’ of fossil fuel companies into funding a huge push towards renewable energy and a mass home insulation programme.
Ramsay said:
“Having dumped the Department of Energy and Climate Change some seven years ago, the Tories have decided to resurrect it in a new guise: the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. This department must genuinely focus all its energy on achieving Net Zero. It must stop all fossil fuel subsidies and end the perverseness of allowing energy companies to avoid windfall taxes on their grotesque profits by investing in further exploitation of oil and gas reserves.
“A carbon tax is one of the greatest levers we can apply to help shift us towards the clean green economy we need in order to cut climate wrecking emissions and create a fairer healthier society [4]. Companies like BP, Shell and other big polluters have been responsible for three quarters of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988 [5]. A carbon tax would target these big polluters and provide the funding to move us towards a renewable energy economy and a mass home insulation programme. This would cut domestic energy bills and keep people warm.”
Notes
[1] Sunak reshuffle: Shapps named energy secretary in department shake-up - BBC News
[2] BP scales back climate targets as profits hit record - BBC News
[3] UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021: summary (publishing.service.gov.uk)
[4] Greens call on government to bring in carbon tax at COP26 | The Green Party
[5] Just 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions, study says | Guardian sustainable business | The Guardian
- Patrick McAllister defeats former government minister in crucial Hotwells & Harbourside council by-election
- Key electoral test passed on mission to elect Carla Denyer as Bristol’s first Green MP
- Carla Denyer: “The direction of travel is clear - Bristol is turning Green.”
- Win means 17 of 20 councillors in Bristol West represent the Green Party
- McAllister: “I’m humbled to be elected to represent our community at such a vital time”
The Green Party’s chance of electing their next MP has increased after they became the outright largest group on Bristol City Council by winning the Hotwells & Harbourside by-election.
Winning Hotwells & Harbourside now means 17 of the 20 councillors in the Bristol West Constituency are Green. There’s growing evidence that their candidate, national party leader Carla Denyer, can become Bristol’s first Green MP at the next General Election.
Denyer said:
“Patrick’s outstanding win is a very significant milestone for our movement. Our country desperately needs more Green MPs to tackle the climate emergency, the cost of living crisis and save our NHS. This vital local win paves the way for a national victory in the wider constituency at the next General Election.
“Bristol is a unique city that I’m proud to call my home. At a time when Labour are polling high nationally, Bristol once again has bucked the trend. Hotwells & Harbourside residents have chosen a brilliant Young Green over a former government minister, showing there is a real changing of the guard happening here.”
“Patrick and I will work tirelessly with our fellow councillors for the good of this city. The direction of travel is clear - Bristol is turning Green.”
Following a closely-fought campaign, McAllister becomes the Green Party’s 25th councillor, making them the new largest group in Bristol’s City Hall for the first time ever.
McAllister, a climate science graduate who works in legal services, said:
“I’m humbled to be elected to represent our community at such a vital time, and want to thank the residents of Spike Island, Hotwells, Brandon Hill and the Harbourside for putting their trust in me.
“Successive Conservative-led governments and our Labour-run council have left residents feeling frustrated, whether it’s through botched consultations on new developments, repair works dragging on for years, the cladding crisis or even by threatening to take our library away. There’s never been a more vital time to speak up for our communities and that’s what I’m going to do my best to do.
“I’d like to thank former councillor Alex Hartley for his service to the community, and all of the other candidates - it’s been quite an experience!”
Cllr Heather Mack, leader of the Green Party group on Bristol City Council, added:
“I’m so proud Patrick is joining 24 experienced and dedicated councillors in the Green group. I’ve known him for years as a dedicated campaigner. Throughout this campaign he’s proven to be the hardest worker in the harbour, and I know that hard work will continue.
“Residents in neighbouring wards all have Green councillors too and like what they see. People don’t live their lives in narrow ward boundaries - that’s why we will always work together as a team and put residents first. I can’t wait for Patrick to get to work.”
Full results of the Hotwells & Harbourside by-election are available on the Bristol City Council website.
Record results for oil giant Shell show there are “still massive profits to be made from letting the climate burn,” warns Green Party Co-leader Carla Denyer.
Shell’s annual profits more than doubled to a record of nearly $40bn (£32.3bn) [1] as consumers struggle to pay huge energy bills after a surge in wholesale gas prices.
Denyer said:
“These record profits make the undeniable case for a carbon tax to be imposed on the fossil fuel industry before the planet is incinerated. These profits give the lie to any claim that fossil fuel giants will act responsibly when there is still money to be made from destroying our planet.
"The government’s windfall tax is useless - it has a massive loophole where companies can dodge the tax if they invest in new fossil fuel extraction. It fails to make the oil giants act responsibly toward people or the planet, or raise the money needed to invest in renewables.
“For the last year, we at the Green Party have been calling for a ‘Dirty Profits Tax’, without the Tory loopholes. This would have raised billions over the last year, and served as the first step towards a proper carbon tax.
“Our carbon tax is one of the most powerful levers we can apply alongside to move us towards a clean green economy and fairer society. [2]
“Fossil fuel companies drive the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, but are still allowed to profit from their damaging activities. A carbon tax would target these big polluters and render coal, oil and gas financially unviable as cheaper renewable energies rise up to take their place.
“But as well as tackling the climate crisis, a carbon tax will offer a social dividend which will help people to get through this cost of living crisis and make the UK a more equal society. This is because yields from a carbon tax would provide the money to invest in free home insulation, properly-funded public services and a universal basic income.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64489147
2
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/assets/files/Communications/10_Point_Climate_Plan.pdf
As the UK marks three years since leaving the EU and the IMF confirms that the UK economy will shrink and perform worse than any other advanced economy in the year ahead [1], the Green Party has called for the country to become ‘rejoin ready’ so the UK can rejoin the EU when the political conditions are right.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer, said:
“With the IMF pointing to the UK as the only major economy facing a decline, it is clear that Brexit has been all pain and no gain. From labour market shortages to less resilience in the face of economic shocks; from a collapse in foreign investment to sharply reduced trade, all the economic indicators show that Brexit has failed.
“Only the Green Party has the courage to consider reversing this huge political mistake and question whether it would be better if the UK were to return to the EU.
“As Greens we believe that the UK should rejoin the EU as soon as the political conditions are right. We need to get the country ‘rejoin ready.’ The EU will need to see us as a reliable partner before they are willing to open negotiations, while our eventual decision would clearly need to depend on the conditions we were able to negotiate.
“In the immediate term we must now renegotiate to restore freedom of movement to address labour market shortages, rejoin the customs union to ease the situation with goods crossing our borders, and end plans to shred thousands of pieces of EU legislation that help protect workers’ rights and the environment [2].
“A majority of the public are now with us on rejoining the EU. Three years on, it's time to admit our mistake and end the economic, social and environmental damage caused by trashing our relationship with our nearest neighbours.”
Notes
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64452995
[2] https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/bonfire-of-insanity-the-unwelcome-return-of-the-retained-eu-law-bill/
The latest challenge from environmental campaigners to Bristol Airport expansion has been rejected at Bristol Civil Court [1]. Responding to the news, Green Party co-leader and Councillor for Clifton Down in Bristol, Carla Denyer, said:
“This is a devastating outcome. Bristol airport’s unnecessary expansion would mean thousands of extra flights producing one million tonnes of CO2 equivalents every year. This when the science tells us clearly that we must be drastically reducing our emissions. Not to mention more traffic, noise and air pollution for local people, as well as the risks expansion will cause to endangered local species. All this in face of clear local opposition.
“To make matters worse, we know that up to 20 other regional airports have their own plans to expand and will have been watching this case very closely to see if the government will enforce its own climate policy. As the government’s own committee on climate change has pointed out, airport expansion is completely incompatible with our commitments on climate change.
“Unfortunately, both the Conservatives and Labour want to have their cake and eat it when it comes to climate change, claiming to support climate action but unwilling to accept any change from business as usual. In the real world there is no such thing as green aviation or carbon neutral jet fuel. We must listen to the scientists, not the airports or aviation industry.”
Notes
[1] Bristol Airport: Judge rejects challenge against expansion plans - Bristol Live (bristolpost.co.uk)
The Green Party has called on Rishi Sunak to publish his tax returns before he marks his first 100 days in office on Thursday [February 2] to increase transparency in a government that is losing the confidence of the public on a daily basis.
Following the sacking of Nadhim Zahawi as Conservative Party chairman for breaches of the ministerial code over his tax affairs, Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski has urged the Prime Minister to publish his own tax returns, and to insist all government ministers do the same, in a bid to increase trust in politics.
Mr Sunak has previously promised he will publish them at some point, and had suggested he would do it before Christmas, but there is still no sign of them despite the fact he will reach his first 100 days milestone this week.
Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski said:
“Rishi Sunak has spent nearly 100 days as Prime Minister yet despite his claim to clean up the image of the Conservative Party we continue to see a government lurching from crisis to crisis.
“This latest controversy with his former party chairman is another step towards the complete erosion of trust the public has in politics.
“Meanwhile, dealing with one crisis of their own making after another has left this government with little time to focus on what they should be doing - helping people through the cost of living crisis and reversing years of damage to our environment and public services.
“It is vital this government begins to rebuild the trust of the public and gets on with the important work it is currently neglecting. A small, but important, first step would be for Rishi Sunak, and all of his Cabinet, to publish their tax returns, in the interests of transparency and to be full and frank with the people they are supposed to be serving.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/nov/16/rishi-sunak-says-he-hopes-to-publish-tax-return-by-christmas
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Green Party peer Jenny Jones has urged the Lords to stop the government’s “pre-crime” laws in a vote on the Public Order Bill on Monday.
The government has proposed late amendments to the Bill that give the police power to ban protests, or a series of protests, ahead of them being held. It doesn’t matter if the organisers have never been convicted of a crime and what’s planned is non violent, the intention is enough for the police to judge it as illegal, if they feel it will ‘seriously disrupt’ someone's life.
A protest only has to be “more than minor interference” to be counted as “serious disruption” under a government supported amendment. The judgement over what is minor, rather than “more than minor interference”, will be left to the police to predict, ahead of the proposed protest.
As these pre-crime amendments have been submitted late and in the Lords, it means the Lords can vote them out of the bill.
Green Party peer, Baroness Jenny Jones said:
“The Lords have a rare opportunity to stop the draconian shift towards pre-crime. Under these proposals, the police will be able to ban protests that they think might cause more than minor disruption.
“A government that bans strikes, introduces voter suppression and stops effective protest is destroying democracy from within. I hope the Labour peers will pull out all the stops and join with the rest of us who aim to stop pre-crime and these other draconian proposals from becoming law.”
“The practicalities of enforcing pre-crime are fraught with problems for the police. For example, the million strong protest against the Iraq War caused serious disruption, but there has never been a law that allows the police to ban such a gathering.
“The police might have to guess at the numbers attending a demonstration and what the protestors might, or might not, do. Pre-crime laws give the police a huge discretionary power to decide what is a good or a bad protest. It puts the police in the position of making political choices with government Ministers applying pressure to ban protests that are embarrassing to them.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact Ian Wingrove on media@jennyjones.org
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay responds to the government’s farming payment reform announcement [1].
Adrian Ramsay says:
“The government's long-delayed replacement for EU farm payments represents an admission of failure.
“Government has failed to grasp the scale of the nature emergency, the climate emergency and the food poverty emergency. These seismic crises threaten the very existence of our farmers and the security of our food supply.
“Never has farming been more important and yet the government has yet again failed to grasp the opportunity to make the radical yet pragmatic reforms that would help the agricultural sector meet its environmental obligations.
“Farming and food produce nearly one-third of greenhouse gases and are the biggest driver of wildlife loss. Rising food prices worsen the cost-of-living catastrophe.
“The Green Party’s joined-up vision would use the billions of pounds we already spend in subsidies to tackle these related crises, and ensure farmers are valued and supported.
“For instance, we would refocus farm subsidies to help farmers transition to more sustainable, diverse and environmentally friendly forms of land use, including organic farming, agroforestry and mixed farming, and away from intensive livestock farming.
“We would provide farmers with grants to allow replacement of old high-emitting carbon farming machinery with low carbon machinery, and we would legislate to give farmers greater security of tenure, so that they can invest in sustainable improvements.
“The government’s national food strategy ignored the recommendations of its own advisers [2] and we ended up with a fragmented and diluted response to the needs of farmers and consumers. Now, after months of unforgivable delay, we have a repeat performance on payments.
“Farmers want to do the right thing for climate and nature - but they need a vision, and they need sensible, targeted support - and that is what is missing. Too many of the small, innovative farmers are already on the brink of bankruptcy.
“Of the 280 measures announced today, there are a few welcome individual steps, but they do not lead to a sustainable future. They represent a handful of lifeboats launched in the face of an oncoming tsunami.”
NOTES:
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/therese-coffey-farmers-central-to-food-production-and-environmental-action
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/jun/13/food-plan-for-england-condemned-by-its-own-lead-adviser
A Green Party peer has accused the government of using a ‘marketing slogan’ to push genetically modified foods on the public ‘by the back door’.
Natalie Bennett, former Green Party leader and now Green peer, says that the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill [1], which passed through the Commons and is in its final substantive stage in the Lords today, would allow genetically engineered foods to be marketed without labelling. A government consultation showed that 88% of the public and 65% of businesses were against the proposals.
Natalie is offering a last chance for the House to exclude animals from the Bill, or to exclude non-food plants and animals (like dogs and cats) from the Bill.
Natalie Bennett said:
“‘Precision Breeding’ is a marketing slogan, not a technical or legal term and has no place in the title of the Bill or future Act. It may sound clean and targeted, but look deeper and the dangers and potential unforeseen consequences of genetic modification are there. This is genetically engineered food by the back door, and with none of the labelling that allows consumers to make a choice.
“The science of gene editing is still far too uncertain and has been insufficiently considered or understood by the government, or adequately scrutinised by parliament. The public and businesses understand the risks better than the government - a majority showed overwhelming opposition to this dangerous legislation when the government consulted on the Bill.
“After detailed, substantive and critical debate earlier in the House of Lords, we’ve seen only extremely weak amendments put forward by Labour. My final attempt to offer the government a constructive way forward is to propose a process of deliberative democracy, to allow careful considerations of the issues that the parliamentary process has failed to address, including the labelling the public so clearly wants to see.”
[1] https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3167
“This review has to spell an end to ducking, dodging and delaying action”
Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, has the following response to Chris Skidmore’s Net Zero Review:
“If this review is to be met with any level of seriousness within Whitehall, then it has to spell an end to the Government’s current approach of ducking, dodging and delaying action.
"The overriding message from this review is one of urgency. We don’t have a moment to lose in our race to tackle the climate emergency – yet this Tory Government is content to flip-flop on fracking, greenlight new oil & gas and approve a climate-busting coal mine.
"If we are to move ‘further and faster’, as this review demands, we need every house to become its own power station. That means a turbo-charging of onshore wind and full-scale deployment of solar, with solar panels on every new roof in the country, in the transition towards clean, green, affordable renewables.
"But it also means we need to lock out climate-wrecking fossil fuels for good. This review might shy away from the truly transformative measures to end our dependence on dirty, dangerous fossil fuels. But the writing is on the wall for the fossil fuel industry – our Government needs to see it.”
ENDS
Responding to new figures from the Citizens Advice Bureau which found that 3.2 million people across Great Britain ran out of credit on their prepayment meter last year [1], Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski, said:
"The number of people running out of credit on their prepayment meters is a shocking indictment of a system which prioritises profits over people.
"Rather than allowing energy companies to force more people on to pre-payment meters, the government should be addressing the problem head on and rolling out insulation to households across the country, prioritising those that need it most.
"The answers to this cost of living crisis are staring us in the face, yet this Conservative government is doing everything it can to ignore them. "
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/about-us1/media/press-releases/millions-left-in-the-cold-and-dark-as-someone-on-a-prepayment-meter-cut-off-every-10-seconds-reveals-citizens-advice/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Greens have urged the government not to reduce the support it provides businesses towards their energy costs, but to use it to incentivise the shift to renewables and energy efficiency.
As the government prepares to announce changes to the support it provides businesses for energy costs [1], Green Party co–leader Carla Denyer said:
“Businesses up and down the country are facing the very real prospect of having to go out of operation because of the multiple crises they are facing due to a failing economy. Now is not the time to reduce support, putting so many jobs, livelihoods and local services at risk.
“Instead, the government should be offering the right package of incentives to help businesses through this cost of living crisis and build a more sustainable future for all. The energy crisis we are seeing is not just a result of this winter, or even the war in Ukraine, but is a consequence of the wider climate crisis, which our government is failing to act upon.
“Businesses tell our councillors all over England and Wales that they want help to become more green by insulating their properties and shifting to renewables.
“The government could use the energy support scheme to help make this happen by incentivising businesses to use renewable energy providers, providing insulation grants, and removing the current perverse incentive where businesses can be punished with increased business rates if they make their buildings more energy efficient.
“Small and independent businesses and enterprises are the lifeblood of local communities and we want to see them thrive as part of a greener, fairer future.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64155064
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has said the latest government announcement of £32.9 million to create a national network of walking and cycling experts [1] doesn’t come close to delivering the active travel revolution we need.
The funding announced this week aims to support local authorities to enhance their technical skills so that high-quality schemes can be delivered which make it easier and safer for hundreds of thousands more people to walk and cycle.
Green Party transport spokesperson and Leader of the Green Party Group on Bradford Council, Matt Edwards, said:
"It is always welcome to see new funding to help develop world class active travel networks across England. Active Travel England wants 50% of trips in England’s urban areas to be walked, cycled or made by other active travel means by 2030 [2].
“However, this goal is being undermined whilst our local Councils continue to treat active travel as an afterthought. Retraining staff is a good place to start but the government needs to be much more ambitious.
“£33 million is a drop in the ocean when you consider the billions in the Department of Transport budget - £16 billion alone is allocated to just five road building schemes [3].
“Training new teams of experts is pointless without the funding to deliver the programme of schemes we need. The government needs to follow through and get serious about reducing traffic levels and boosting active travel by switching the billions earmarked for building new roads into investing in healthy walking, cycling and other forms of active travel."
Notes
-
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/329-million-to-create-a-national-network-of-walking-and-cycling-experts
-
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/active-travel-england/about
-
https://transportactionnetwork.org.uk/campaign/scrap-road-schemes-to-grow-economy/
The Green Party has welcomed the deal to halt biodiversity loss announced at the UN’s COP15 summit in Canada today [1], but warned the UK government and others must now step up to the plate to make the promises a reality.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Now that we have reached this point, it is vital that governments step up with the money and the plans to not only halt the destruction of Earth’s ecosystems but actually restore the natural world we all depend upon.
“Here in the UK, we have one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, yet the government has made no progress on its own commitment to restore 30% of land for nature by 2030 [2]. Instead, it has gone in the wrong direction with its foolish and short-sighted attacks on the natural world that have rightly been condemned by charities [3].
“With this international deal now in place, it is incumbent on the UK government to start taking the necessary action on the ecological emergency which currently poses real threats to human society - to food and water supplies, to clean air, to our ability to adapt to a warming world.
“This starts with richer nations contributing money and resources to start taking action to deliver on this deal - as many of the world’s most important countries for biodiversity are also some of the poorest. But it also requires serious attention to the biodiversity loss here in the UK.
“If the government wants to demonstrate a genuine commitment to halting and reversing species decline, it will show leadership by introducing a Rights of Nature Act [4]. This would provide legal protections for wildlife and habitats in England and Wales and be enforced by an independent Commission for Nature. It would also ensure that the regeneration of nature is at the heart of all policy considerations.
“The government must also immediately stop dragging its feet on introducing the promised nature-friendly farming payments scheme, publish a clear pathway to meet its commitment to restore 30% of land for nature by 2030 and scrap plans to weaken protections for nature in the Retained EU Law (revocation and reform) Bill.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-64019324
2
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/28/tories-embarrassingly-poor-nature-targets-2030-labour-says
3
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/rspb-england-government-national-trust-wildlife-trusts-b2174501.html
4
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2021/10/23/green-party-backs-a-rights-of-nature-act-to-give-nature-legal-rights/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay has made a series of key demands of Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey during a visit to a nature reserve in her Suffolk constituency today [Friday] which sits in the shadow of the planned Sizewell C nuclear power plant.
Ramsay visited the important RSPB Minsmere site while politicians from around the world attended the UN COP15 biodiversity summit in Montreal. He called on the Environment Secretary to show international leadership on the issue, starting with fully reversing the government’s attacks on nature.
Ramsay has called on the government to:
- Publish a clear pathway to meet its commitment to restore 30% of land for nature by 2030
- To scrap plans to weaken protections for nature in the Retained EU Law (revocation and reform) Bill
- Stop dragging its feet on introducing the promised nature-friendly farming payments scheme
Ramsay, who is standing as a parliamentary candidate for the Greens in Suffolk at the next general election, said:
“The government’s attacks on nature have rightly been very strongly challenged by the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts, the National Trust and others. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Protecting and restoring nature is deeply important to people in Thérèse Coffey’s constituency and around the country. During the biodiversity COP, the Environment Secretary must rethink the government’s approach and show international leadership on this crucial issue.
“Minsmere is a great example of rich and varied landscapes, managed carefully by the RSPB to ensure that the huge variety of wildlife survives and thrives. Yet this site, within the environment secretary’s constituency, is under threat from the Sizewell C nuclear power plant [2], which was given the go ahead by the government last week. Meanwhile the government’s weak and harmful policies are failing to prevent and reverse further declines in wildlife and nature at sites across the country.
“That’s why the Green Party is calling for the government to immediately stop dragging its feet on introducing the promised nature-friendly farming payments scheme, publish a clear pathway to meet its commitment to restore 30% of land for nature by 2030 and scrap plans to weaken protections for nature in the Retained EU Law (revocation and reform) Bill.”
Earlier in the week the Green Party also called on the government to introduce a Rights of Nature Act to extend legal protections for wildlife and habitats in England and Wales, and establish an independent Commission for Nature to oversee the Act’s enforcement [3].
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/minsmere/
2
https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/casework/cases/sizewell-c/
3
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2022/12/07/greens-call-to-extend-legal-protections-for-wildlife/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Commenting on Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove’s go ahead for the Cumbria coal mine, Green Party of England and Wales co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“It’s a disgrace that this decision has been cynically delayed until just after we have ceased to hold the COP Presidency. This government really is the pits.
“England and Wales have huge natural advantages and the economic strength to harness renewable wind, wave and solar power. The government should be leading the world toward renewable forms of energy not encouraging it to move backwards.
“The government’s environmental credentials are in tatters. Around the world, countries are striving to tackle the climate crisis by closing coal mines, yet here the government is opening one.
“This latest decision follows the green light for new North Sea oil and gas licences.
“Global leadership must begin at home and we need to see a clear commitment from this government to keep fossil fuels in the ground. This means no new fossil fuel mining and a clear pathway to move rapidly away from oil, coal and gas in favour of renewables and a nationwide programme of home insulation to cut both emissions and energy bills.
“The mine will not be 'carbon neutral' as previously claimed and its coking coal is not essential to the future of steel production. At most, only 13 per cent of the coal from this mine is destined for the UK market [1]. The rest will be exported.
“Steel production is currently one of our most carbon intensive industries. That has to change and the companies themselves know it. Low carbon production technology exists and should be encouraged by government, not held back by creating new sources of dirty fuels.
“There is no doubt West Cumbria needs jobs but over-promising in order to open a new coal mine is not the answer. There needs to be investment in the green technologies that will create the sustainable jobs of the future.”
Jill Perry, Green Party councillor on the Shadow Authority of Cumberland Council and long-term campaigner against the coal mine, said:
“This is really bad news for local people, because what we really need are green jobs that benefit everyone in the community, not dirty jobs in an old industry where the profits are sucked out and hidden in tax havens.
“If we invest in retrofit of insulation and renewable technologies in our leaky housing stock, a lot of which isn't even on the gas network, it will provide more jobs, cheaper heating bills and keep the money circulating in the local area.
“The steel industry doesn't need this coking coal plant and neither do we.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://theecologist.org/2022/dec/01/cumbrian-coal-mine-decision-imminent
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has accused the government of leaving transport “in a mess” by refusing to tackle key issues after the Transport Secretary says there is no time for new legislation in this parliament.
The statement was made at the Transport Select Committee [1] where he also suggested that the government could cancel plans for Great British Railways.
Councillor Matt Edwards, the Green Party transport spokesperson said.
“It’s frankly astonishing that the British government is looking at the state of our railways and thinking that there is no problem to solve here.
“Privatisation on our railways has been a disaster and the creation of Great British Railways was meant to better coordinate all aspects of services including the planning of engineering works on the network.
“Years of underinvestment and lack of direction have meant that the railways, particularly in the North of England, are past breaking point. The government can’t keep looking for ‘alternative views’ when the common sense approach doesn’t fit with their extreme market-led ideology.”
Greens also say that legislation is needed to finally address the legal situation with other pressing issues including pavement parking. Parking on the pavement is only illegal in London, but a new ban has been promised for years and would cover the whole of England.
Councillor Edwards said,
“I know the impact the delay on legislation around pavement parking is having, particularly on disabled people and parents with prams and pushchairs. The law is complicated and in many cases people are left with neither local authorities nor the police willing to tackle problems.
“The job of government is to govern. We need new legislation to fix all the loopholes in our laws and get Britain moving. But the government seems determined to avoid taking any responsibility for anything.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/20875a20-10d7-4d50-868a-d1f6b8776b14
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
- Call for legal protections for wildlife and habitats in England and Wales comes as COP15 biodiversity summit meets in Montreal
- Regeneration of nature should be at the heart of all policy making
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay has called on the government to introduce a Rights of Nature Act [1] as scientists, government officials and activists gather for the UN COP15 biodiversity summit in Montreal today [Wednesday, 7 December].
The Act would extend legal protections for wildlife and habitats in England and Wales, and establish an independent Commission for Nature to oversee the Act’s enforcement.
Ramsay has also accused the environment secretary, Thérèse Coffey, of arriving “empty handed” at the UN COP15 biodiversity summit in Montreal. He said a Rights of Nature Act is exactly what is needed to demonstrate the UK is genuinely committed to halting and reversing species decline.
Adrian Ramsay said:
“This government stands accused by a wide variety of environmental and conservation groups of an attack on nature [2]. Ministers deny this, but the government is pushing through new laws that will weaken protections for nature and dragging its feet on introducing the promised nature-friendly farming payment scheme.
“Despite the UK being one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, Thérèse Coffey is attending the UN biodiversity summit empty handed.
“There is little confidence in the government meeting its target to halt the decline in species by 2030 [4], and the government appears to have made no progress on its commitment to restore 30% of land for nature by 2030.
“Instead, the pace that we are losing nature continues to accelerate and there is no sign of a reversal in this trend. We face an ecological emergency which poses real threats to human society - to food and water supplies, to clean air, to our ability to adapt to a warming world.
“This is why the Green Party wants to see a Rights of Nature Act [5]. This would provide legal protections for wildlife and habitats in England and Wales, and be enforced by an independent Commission for Nature. It would also ensure that the regeneration of nature is at the heart of all policy considerations.
“Such an Act would also seek to increase accessibility to nature for all, as this is an important way to improve physical and mental health and general wellbeing.
“If the UK government wants to demonstrate a genuine commitment to halting and reversing species decline, and avoid arriving at future biodiversity summits empty handed, it will show leadership by introducing a Rights of Nature Act.”
Notes
-
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/minsmere/
-
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2021/10/23/green-party-backs-a-rights-of-nature-act-to-give-nature-legal-rights/
-
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/rspb-england-government-national-trust-wildlife-trusts-b2174501.html
-
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/nov/28/tories-embarrassingly-poor-nature-targets-2030-labour-says
5.https://theecologist.org/2021/nov/01/rights-nature
The Green Party has welcomed a decision by ministers to axe arbitrary house building targets [1] and have called for future housing development to be led by affordability, quality and environmental standards.
Green Party spokesperson on Housing and communities, Ellie Chowns, who is also a Cabinet Member on Herefordshire Council, said:
“Councils of all political colours have pushed back against unrealistic top-down housing targets, which have taken decision-making away from local authorities and ignored the views of local people. And where targets have been missed, it has allowed developers to get away with lower quality housing that is less sustainable and less affordable.
“It’s time to rebuild a housing strategy that takes powers away from central government and the giant house builders funnelling money into Tory Party coffers and give councils the power to set their own housing targets to meet the needs of local populations. We need the focus of future development to be on building genuinely affordable housing that is good for local people while helping to tackle the cost of living crisis and the climate emergency.
“We certainly do need thousands more new homes but the priority should be on homes for social rent, built to the highest environmental standards so they dramatically cut energy bills and carbon emissions. We also need to prioritise building on brownfield sites and preserve our precious green spaces which are good for public health and for nature.
“All new housing must also be served by high quality walking and cycling routes and much improved public transport services.”
Notes
- Sunak to scrap housebuilding targets after pressure from Tory MPs | Planning policy | The Guardian
Green Party spokespeople have brought together a cross-government set of demands to ease the growing burden of fuel poverty and tackle the climate crisis.
To mark Fuel Poverty Awareness day today and Fuel Poverty Action day tomorrow, Green Party spokespeople have written to key Ministers to tell them that only joined-up government action can deliver the measures needed.
On housing, spokesperson Ellie Chowns called for a fully-funded, nationwide, long-term retrofit programme to insulate all housing to the maximum possible level, an immediate end to the building of hard-to-heat homes, higher building standards, and a winter ban on no-fault evictions.
For people with disabilities, spokesperson Mags Lewis called for targeted fuel subsidies for those whose home energy use is higher than average as a result of their disability, guaranteed support in the event of blackouts for disabled people reliant on equipment like ventilators, and a priority home insulation programme to bring down bills.
On health, spokesperson and GP Dr Pallavi Devulapalli called for increased subsidies targeted at those made most vulnerable by cold homes with poor ventilation, recognition of the mental and physical toll of poorly insulated, cold homes, and free hot school dinners for all children to ensure none go hungry this winter.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The work of our spokespeople shows clearly how the impact of fuel poverty is felt across the population and why it requires political leadership and joined-up action to deliver the policies to combat it.
“New figures produced today by the National Energy Action for Fuel Poverty Awareness Day [1] show the growing scale of the problem, which is destined to worsen through the winter without concerted government action.
“We believe that a national home insulation programme will deliver warm, affordable and healthy homes for people while reducing energy use and helping to tackle the climate crisis.”
NOTES:
[1] https://www.nea.org.uk/news/8-4-million-uk-households-will-be-in-fuel-poverty-from-april-says-national-energy-action/
The Green Party of England and Wales is calling on government to offer a Small Business Saturday reprieve to firms facing soaring costs through insulation grants and a package of support measures.
Co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“We know from visiting independent businesses and social enterprises up and down the country that they want to green their operations, improve employee welfare and make it easier for people to shop locally.
“But they need government to get behind them and offer the right package of incentives.
“Businesses tell our councillors that they want government insulation grants, reform of business rates to incentivise greener business practices, differential VAT rates to favour small businesses, and an immediate suspension of Covid-loan repayments.
“Small and independent businesses and enterprises are the lifeblood of local communities. Small businesses can help revitalise our high streets.
“Yet, many are struggling with the cost of living and high energy bills. Running costs are set to increase again in March when the government’s short-term support will end.
“The Green Party has long been the party of small business. We want to see them thrive.”
This Small Business Saturday the Green Party are calling for:
- Grants to insulate small businesses to cut energy bills and emissions. Government should provide businesses with grants to insulate their premises to reduce their running costs, energy use, and emissions for good.
- Higher business rate exemption for small businesses that green their operations. Businesses should be incentivised to green their operations by not having to pay higher business rates as a result of taking sustainable measures such as installing solar panels.
- Support for small businesses to improve employee wellbeing. Government must support businesses to improve the wellbeing of their employees. Measures should include exempting all childcare providers in England from business rates.
- Reform of VAT to support small businesses and suspension of Covid repayments. The government must reform ourVAT system so that it differentially supports smaller shops and businesses compared to larger and online businesses. Likewise, there should be an immediate suspension of Covid loan repayments to provide much needed relief for businesses.
- Creation of Virtual High Streets. Councils should work with small and independent businesses so residents can use an online portal to buy from participating local shops and have items delivered on the same or next day.
Green councillors in ruling administrations in England and Wales have written to Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, calling on him “to ensure proper funding of local services and… sound policy that works for people, not profit.”
The Green cabinet members and committee chairs who have signed the letter have called for a three-year funding settlement, an increase in all council budgets in line with inflation, an increase in investment for retrofitting homes and in services for the most vulnerable, particularly adult and child social care.
In the letter, the councillors say: “It makes no financial sense to cut local government funding to the point where they can no longer deliver even basic services.”
They urge Mr Gove to “join local government in working to protect the most vulnerable and build resilient, joyful communities, so we can serve our communities in the way they deserve and give them hope for the future.”
Co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, who is a councillor in Bristol, said:
“Councils are at breaking point. Several, including Tory controlled Councils, are on the verge of bankruptcy. Michael Gove must listen, not just to the strong chorus from Councils run by opposition parties, but also to Tory councillors.
“The Conservative head of the Local Government Association has said: ‘the numbers just do not add up,’ and added: ‘We desperately need to protect budgets and services from the impact of inflation, without which there will be real service cuts to some of the most vulnerable in our communities.’ [1].
“As councillors, we work hard to build communities that are fairer, greener and healthier. We work to support local businesses, deliver vital services and protect and improve local environments.
“In order to do so effectively, councils need a guarantee from Michael Gove that we will receive an increase in all council budgets in line with inflation and a three-year funding settlement.
“We need that funding certainty so we can increase investment in adult and child social care. We need it to fund the insulation of our homes to make them warmer and cheaper for residents to run.
“If Michael Gove is really committed to levelling up, to decent housing and building strong communities, he must listen to councils and act.”
NOTES:
[1] https://www.local.gov.uk/events/past-event-presentations/lga-annual-conference-2022/lga-chairman-cllr-james-jamieson-welc
Responding to the government’s decision to give the go ahead to the Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“This is an ideological decision driven by a misguided energy policy. It is clear there are cleaner, quicker and much less expensive options to meet our electricity needs. Investment in renewable energy and insulation at scale are what is needed to tackle both the climate emergency and cost of living crisis with the urgency needed.
“The design of Sizewell C will follow the much criticised Hinkley Point C scheme in Somerset which has been delayed by years and beset by technical difficulties and mushrooming costs. It is clear that large nuclear reactors are far too slow to help solve our climate crisis and way too expensive to address sky-high energy bills.”
Notes
1. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/nov/29/sizewell-c-nuclear-plant-confirmed-edf-suffolk-jobs-uk
The Green Party of England and Wales is calling for the government to urgently bring forward its promised Renters Reform Bill in time to stave off a winter of evictions and homelessness.
The call came as new figures showed so-called no fault evictions leaping 76 per cent [1}
Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said the Bill must include:
“An immediate cap on rent increases until at least the end of March 2023, as well as a ban on no-fault evictions over the same period to prevent landlords evicting tenants in order to raise rents.”
In Scotland, where the Scottish Greens are in government with the SNP, similar measures have already become law [2].
Average rental prices outside London have hit a high of £1,162 a month, jumping 11% in the past year [3].
The UK government produced a White Paper in June [4] and Housing Minister Andrew Stephenson told Parliament in October the legislation was still a “priority.” [5]
Carla Denyer added:
“Knowing that you have a secure home over winter is vital for both physical and mental health. Households already face soaring energy and food costs; the last thing they need, on top of everything else they have to contend with, is unaffordable rent rises and the fear of being evicted.
“Rising private rents and increasing evictions have also been cited as major causes of a dramatic increase in homelessness in London and other cities. The number of people sleeping rough on the capital’s streets has jumped by a shocking 24% in the past year [6]
“We are calling on the government to introduce an immediate freeze on rent rises and a ban on evictions by landlords who simply want to increase rents between tenancies. The Scottish government has introduced legislation to safeguard tenants this winter. We want to see the Housing Minister introduce similar measures in England, and for the Senedd to use its devolved powers to do so in Wales [6].”
Notes
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-63719126
[2] Cost of living: rent and eviction - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
[3] Average rent climbs to £1,162, according to Rightmove, up 11% in a year - as charities warn tenants are struggling to make ends meet (msn.com)
[4] A fairer private rented sector
[5] Housing Minister Andrew Stephenson
[6] Number of people sleeping rough in London up 24% in a year | Homelessness | The Guardian
[7] Rent freeze call by Plaid Cymru voted down by Labour - BBC News
- “After one of the most consequential global climate summits in a generation, all our Prime Minister could muster was a 33-word tweet”
Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, has been granted an Urgent Question on the COP27 outcome, taking place in the House of Commons this afternoon at around 15:30. Her statement is below:
“At the conclusion of one of the most consequential global climate summits in a generation, all our Prime Minister could muster was a 33-word tweet.
"This frankly pathetic statement is just the latest piece of evidence that our Prime Minister utterly lacks the climate leadership our country, and planet, desperately needs. From a screeching u-turn on showing up to COP27 in the first place, to failing to rule out a disastrous new coal mine in Cumbria, to gifting fossil fuel companies a gigantic tax loophole for climate-wrecking oil & gas investment – these are not the actions of a climate leader.
"So when the COP26 President Alok Sharma so powerfully stated that 1.5C is “on life support”, can the Government explain in detail its reaction to the summit? Does it agree that the final agreement’s absence of action to peak emissions before 2025, and a clear commitment to phase out all fossil fuels, shows pitiful progress? And if so, why is this Government ploughing ahead with a swathe of new oil & gas licences?
"And when Ministers were “concerned” about the unjust imprisonment of British citizen Alaa Abd el-Fattah, and the Prime Minister “raised the case” with his Egyptian counterpart, why are his family still being forced to seek answers and action? Alaa has faced intimidation, and has suffered fainting fits and mental breakdowns – yet the Government is standing idly by.
"Our planet is staring climate catastrophe in the face. While the loss and damage fund agreed at COP27 is a welcome victory for climate justice, the only way we can maintain a liveable planet for all is to keep fossil fuels in the ground for good. A woefully brief Twitter statement simply won’t wash."
ENDS
Responding to the final Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan [1] from the COP27 climate negotiations in Egypt, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The agreement to set up a fund for loss and damage is a significant and historic step towards climate justice for the poorest and most vulnerable countries, those least responsible for the climate crisis.
“However, the fund is currently empty and we now need rich countries like the UK to step up, honour their commitment to this fund and pay for the harm they have inflicted through historical emissions.
“But the real failure at Sharm el-Sheikh was that no significant progress has been made in commitments on fossil fuels, which is unsurprising given the hundreds of fossil fuel lobbyists who were active inside the negotiation. In terms of the commitment to eliminating fossil fuels from the global economy, COP27 represents a backward step.
“Future COPs must keep out the oil and gas giants and open the door wider to those with real solutions to offer as well as to a much greater proportion of women, who are bearing a disproportionate burden from climate breakdown yet made up only a third of the negotiating delegates [2].
“There has been a failure of international leadership from the world’s most powerful leaders. That includes the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who had to be dragged kicking and screaming to Egypt, before rushing home to back his chancellor as he announced a continuation of business as usual - new licences for North Sea oil and gas, windfall tax loopholes for the fossil fuel giants [3] and billions on new roads.
“This COP was billed as an implementation summit where countries were supposed to come with detailed action plans showing how they would create the credible path that the UN says is missing to keep global heating to below 1.5C. Yet there is scant reference to the 1.5C target, let alone a credible path to get us there.
“We needed to make giant strides toward achieving net zero and holding down global heating below 1.5C. Instead global leaders have, at best, taken a few tiny, teetering steps back from catastrophe.”
Notes
-
Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan. Revised draft decision -/CP.27 | UNFCCC
-
COP27: Lack of women at negotiations raises concern - BBC News
-
Loopholes mean oil and gas giants will avoid more than half of govt’s updated windfall tax - New Economics Foundation
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s refusal to carry out a Tory Manifesto pledge to “fix social care” through a cost cap highlights the urgent need for a radical NHS-style solution, Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay says today.
“Social care should be free at the point of use for all adults,” says Ramsay.
“A fully publicly funded, free at the point of use system would offer people certainty and dignity in times of need.
“Any of us may develop a long-term condition that requires social care support at any point in our lives, as well as in old age.
“Today - and thanks to Hunt’s Budget for many long years to some - people will have to pay the full cost of private social care if they have assets of more than £23,250 and even those who receive some publicly-funded social care end up paying, between them, nearly £3 billion a year towards their support. [1]
“Even the government’s own analysis shows that people’s homes are having to be sold after their deaths to pay care costs. [2]
“Hunt’s Budget postponed a Tory pledge to put an £86,000 cap on social care costs for individuals until beyond the next General Election. Yet local councils are reporting increasing requests for help, with demand from working-age adults in particular increasing by 15 per cent since 2015/16.
“The Dilnot Commission was set up in 2010 and the Tory government claimed to accept its recommendations, but even Dilnot’s partial costs-cap solution has been kicked down the road again [3].
"The Tory government previously said that charges should be capped at £86,000, now it says they should be unlimited for at least another two years. We say they should be capped at zero - social care should be free at the point of use.
“And there are options to fund a new NHS-style service that the Chancellor simply rejects - a wealth tax on the richest 1 per cent [4], a single unified income tax which could raise an additional £24 billion [5], or adding a social care levy to a more progressive tax system are just three examples.
“The funding options are available to be examined in detail, what’s missing is the political will to solve the social care crisis once and for all.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/nhs-in-a-nutshell/social-care-nutshell
2
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1015737/Build_Back_Better-_Our_Plan_for_Health_and_Social_Care_web_accessible.pdf
3
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/nov/17/delaying-social-care-reforms-jeremy-hunt-uk-vulnerable
4
https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/33819/20/33819%20TIPPET_The_Case_for_a_Progressive_Annual_Wealth_Tax_%282021%29_v2.pdf
5
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2021/09/06/green-party-proposes-to-abolish-not-increase-national-insurance-tax-to-fund-social-care/
- Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay: “The Greens would put an end to the spiral of chaos and invest in the green infrastructure and world-class public services our country deserves”
The Green Party has condemned the Chancellor’s Austerity 2.0 budget after he announced spending cuts of £30 billion which will impact the poorest the hardest.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay has warned that today’s Autumn Statement has left people paying the price for a decade of Conservative economic mismanagement, while those with the broadest shoulders and those profiting from the crisis have been let off the hook.
The Chancellor announced he was sticking to his cash spending plans for the next two years, meaning public sector pay rises of just 2% with inflation at 7% next year, which would result in a 5% real terms pay cut for public sector workers across the country.
Co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Whatever Jeremy Hunt claims, this amounts to taking £30 billion away from people who need it during a cost of living crisis–both directly and through cuts in services.
“The cuts will force local councils and vital national public services to deny people vital support.
“Yet we know there is enough wealth in this country for us to avoid the dire economic situation this Conservative government is forcing us into.
“The problem is that wealth is concentrated in too few hands, when it should be spread throughout the economy to the benefit of everybody.
“The Green Party would introduce a 1% wealth tax on the super-rich and increase taxes on unearned income to ensure there is sufficient money to fund the public services we deserve.
“We would also close the loopholes in the windfall tax to enable investment in green solutions to the energy and the climate crisis.
“This would put an end to the spiral of chaos and invest in the green infrastructure and world-class public services our country deserves.”
Ahead of the Autumn Statement, the Green Party put forward its own proposals, including:
- Taxing the wealth of the richest 1% of households to raise at least £70 billion [1]
- Imposing dirty profits taxes, without any loopholes, on the oil and gas companies making huge sums from fossil fuels and the energy crisis
- Provide increased funding for the Environment Agency and Ofwat to ensure proper enforcement of privatised water companies so that they invest in the infrastructure needed to end the scandal of sewage being poured into the rivers and seas
Money raised from the wealth tax and the dirty profits tax would help fund:
- a new green skilled workforce
- a dash for renewables to bring down bills
- a national home insulation programme to keep people warm
- free childcare to ease the cost-of-living burden [2]
- reducing the cost of travelling by train and bus to make public transport cheaper than travelling by car
- an end to the sewage scandal
- a National Minimum Wage of £15 an hour [3]
- decent pay increases that reflect rising inflation for public sector workers.
Ramsay said:
“More Tory austerity will create fear in communities across this country. Services are already facing extreme pressures and the country cannot stand billions more of public spending cuts.
“And while the government seems to have belatedly acknowledged the importance of driving down our use of gas through energy efficiency, the measures announced today go nowhere near far enough to help people who need their homes insulated right now.
“Our tax-raising alternative would mean polluting companies and the very richest households contribute more, while our investment in a rapid move to a net zero economy would fund the new skilled, sustainable, well-paid jobs that will be needed to replace those reliant on fossil fuels.
“Our plans ensure those most able and those most responsible pay, while the vast majority reap the rewards of a rapid move to a green economy.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2022/09/30/tax-the-richest-1-to-pay-for-better,-warmer-homes,-say-greens/
2
The Green Party would provide 35 hours a week of free childcare for all, from the age of nine months. This free childcare will include in-work facilities, such as on-site crèches and flexible working opportunities (e.g. jobshares) to help parents who choose to return to work
3
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2022/10/02/greens-back-%C2%A315-an-hour-minimum-wage-and-declare-support-for-trade-union-campaigns-on-pay/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Reacting to news that the UK economy shrunk in the last three months [1], the Green Party of England and Wales called for protections for people and the planet.
Adrian Ramsay, co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said:
“GDP is a poor and limited measure of sustainable economic activity, but news that the UK economy on this measure has shrunk must not be used by the government as an excuse to cut public services or delay investing to tackle climate change.
“Wages are falling, prices are rising and at COP27 analysis by the Global Carbon Project shows that despite the need to cut emissions by half by 2030 to restrict global heating to 1.5C and avoid the most devastating impacts of the climate crisis, emissions are rising [2].
“We need a radical shift in economic priorities to protect people from poverty, properly fund schools and the NHS, and ensure the urgent shift to a net zero economy takes place now. This would create more sustainable economic activity while also reducing carbon emissions.”
Notes:
[1] https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/grossdomesticproductgdp/bulletins/gdpfirstquarterlyestimateuk/latest
[2] https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/carbonbudget/
The Green Party has called on Rishi Sunak to come clean and reveal the shortfall in UK climate finance. At COP26, Boris Johnson pledged to boost spending on supporting the nations most at risk from the impacts of the climate emergency. However, figures suggest the UK has only paid £1.3bn of the £2.3bn a year pledged and the government has refused to reveal exactly how much it has short-changed the countries in greatest need [1].
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Ahead of Rishi Sunak’s speech to COP27 this afternoon, we call on the government to come clean and reveal exactly how far short the UK has fallen in its contributions towards climate finance - a crucial fund to support those poorer countries on the front line of the climate crisis but which have done little to contribute to the problem.
“It is suggested that the UK may have short-changed the fund by a whopping billion pounds. But let’s see the figures.
“What we do know is that collectively the rich nations have consistently failed to meet a $100bn annual target on climate finance, and that the UK government is party to this failure. We also know the government has raided the overseas aid budget to pay for climate finance when it pledged that it would be additional money. And the aid budget itself has already been cut from 0.7% to 0.5% of GDP.
“The Prime Minister must use his speech today to pledge he will deliver the UK's overdue climate finance. The whole COP process risks failure unless richer countries deliver climate justice by paying their fair share. Any claims of global leadership by Rishi Sunak will sound hollow when we are failing to meet our own promises to the countries most affected by the climate crisis.”
Notes
[1] https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/cop27-climate-finance-sunak-johnson-b2218057.html
Rishi Sunak must honour the commitment the UK made as COP president and update its climate targets to reflect what is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5C, the Green Party has said ahead of the start of COP27 this weekend.
The Glasgow Pact agreed at COP26 last year required all countries to revisit and increase their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) this year in order to ensure the world was on track to reduce carbon emissions at a rate that would keep global temperature rise to 1.5C [1].
However, the UK’s updated NDC in September this year included no increase in its own NDC, despite the fact it had presided over the agreement in Glasgow to do so. [2]
The need for each country to update its NDCs is even more urgent now after the UN recently stated that there is “no credible pathway” to saving 1.5C on current trajectories. The UN said: “Only an urgent system-wide transformation can deliver the enormous cuts needed to limit greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.” [3]
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The UK government was applauded for overseeing a commitment from all countries to increase their NDCs, but its actions subsequently suggest it was just for show.
“It is shameful that at a time when people across the world are seeing their lives destroyed by climate change, the UK government could not live up to its commitments and set meaningful climate targets that would protect millions of people.
“In fact, since last year in Glasgow the UK government has gone in completely the wrong direction by introducing new North Sea oil and gas licences, continued to roll out airport and road expansion and will not even rule out the opening of a new coal mine in Cumbria.
“Regrettably, Rishi Sunak will arrive in Egypt under a cloud, with the UK also having failed to make a promised £260 million climate finance payment [4].
“This is negligence on a historic scale, but it can be rectified. It is right that the Prime Minister has now decided to attend COP27, but he now needs to put his money where his mouth is.
“Sunak must immediately revisit the UK’s climate targets to ensure they are in line with a 1.5C global rise in temperatures and show he is willing to act on the global stage by putting climate justice and finance for poorer countries most impacted by the climate emergency at the top of the agenda.”
The Green Party has also set out a further six crucial tests for the UK government at this year’s COP climate targets:
- The UK government must call for offsetting to be ruled out as part of the measurement of net zero reporting for governments and industries
- The UK government needs to put loss and damage at the top of the agenda and back calls from the countries most impacted by climate change for the establishment of a financing facility, and to follow in the footsteps of Denmark and Scotland by delivering new and additional finance for loss and damage
- The government must urgently deliver the UK's overdue climate finance, reinstate the mandatory 0.7% aid budget and support calls for increased adaptation finance
- The UK government should lobby for an immediate end to all fossil fuel subsidies and an urgent managed decline in the use of fossil fuels
- The UK government should advocate for the global roll out of loophole-free dirty profits taxes to ensure the most polluting industries not only pay for the impact of their emissions, but are also incentivised to find efficient means of reducing them
- The UK government should champion a system of nationally determined contributions requiring all countries to produce scientifically verifiable plans every year to show their progress in reaching the climate targets they have set themselves.
Notes
1
https://www.bond.org.uk/news/2022/11/heres-what-the-uk-needs-to-do-for-cop27/
2
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1109429/uk-nationally-determined-contribution.pdf
3
https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2022
4
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/nov/01/uk-criticised-for-failing-to-pay-300m-in-promised-climate-funds-ahead-of-cop27
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has welcomed the news that plans to build a new nuclear power plant in Suffolk are under review [1] and urged for more investment in renewables and insulation.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“New nuclear power is a distraction from addressing the climate emergency with the speed that is required - it is far too slow and much more costly than more effective renewable energy and storage alternatives, as well as having significant environmental concerns for the local community.
“So, we are pleased to see the government has put it under review but we now need to see real commitment to the measures that will make a benefit to people’s lives.
“It is vital the government invests more in renewables and insulating people’s homes as this is the cheapest, quickest and most effective way to bring people’s bills down, create millions of jobs and help tackle the climate crisis all at the same time.”
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63507630
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Commenting on the U-turn by Rishi Sunak, who now plans to attend the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“This is a welcome U-turn brought about by public pressure, though it is perhaps understandable the prime minister might be nervous about showing his face.
“During the UK’s presidency of COP26 the Tory government has introduced new North Sea oil and gas licences, kept the possibility of a new coal mine in Cumbria alive and continued to roll out airport and road expansion. And Sunak himself has removed his climate minister from cabinet and wants to block onshore wind [1].
“Global leadership must begin at home and we need to see a clear commitment from this government to keep fossil fuels in the ground. This means ditching oil, coal and gas for good in favour of renewables and a nationwide programme of home insulation to cut both emissions and energy bills.
“Sunak also needs to show he is willing to act on the global stage by putting ‘loss and damage’ and finance for poorer countries most impacted by the climate emergency at the top of the agenda. Regrettably, he will arrive in Egypt under a cloud, with the UK having failed to make a promised £260 million climate finance payment [2].
“With the UN warning that there is no credible pathway to keeping temperatures within the 1.5C limit [3], this year’s COP negotiations are more important than ever. The UN says that only an urgent transformation of society and our economy can avoid disastrous climate impacts. We need the UK government to rise to this challenge, show global leadership and help create a more secure and sustainable society and economy at home and abroad.”
Notes
1
Rishi Sunak U-turns on Truss’s onshore wind planning reforms | The Independent
2
UK criticised for failing to pay $300m in promised climate funds ahead of Cop27 | The Guardian
3
Climate crisis: UN finds ‘no credible pathway to 1.5C in place’ | The Guardian
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
As speculation continues to grow on whether Rishi Sunak will bow to mounting pressure and attend this year’s COP27 climate talks in Egypt after all, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay, said:
“Despite being pushed into attending, if he does ultimately go to the COP27 climate talks, we should welcome this news. With the UK holding the COP26 presidency, attending to hand the baton on to Egypt is absolutely essential to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to building on last year’s climate talks.
“Rishi Sunak must show global leadership. The UK government must push for real finance for the loss and damage being experienced by poorer countries that are on the front line of climate breakdown. At home there must be urgent action to address both the climate emergency and the cost of living crisis. That should begin with a mass home insulation programme to cut energy bills and carbon emissions and ramping up renewable energy generation. We also need to phase out fossil fuels. More North Sea oil and gas licences [1] takes us in the wrong direction and is the exact opposite of the kind of global leadership needed.
“With the UN warning that there is no credible pathway to keeping temperatures within the 1.5C limit [2], this year’s COP negotiations are more important than ever. The UN says that only an urgent transformation of society and our economy can avoid disastrous climate impacts. If our government rises to this challenge we can show global leadership and create a better society at the same time.
“Reversing the attacks on nature and restoring the natural environment, funding farmers to manage land for wildlife, good quality and affordable public transport, warmer homes, cheaper energy bills: the policies we need to tackle the climate emergency can create real improvements to people’s everyday lives.”
Notes
- https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/oct/07/uk-offers-new-north-sea-oil-and-gas-licences-despite-climate-concerns
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/27/climate-crisis-un-pathway-1-5-c
The Green Party has called for a tougher windfall tax on the profits of oil and gas companies to help ease the cost of living crisis for households across the country, after Shell announced its profits had more than doubled between July and September [1].
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“It is obscene to see oil and gas giants doubling their profits while millions of households up and down the country slip into fuel poverty as a result of these companies’ sheer greed.
“It is beyond comprehension that the government seems happy to allow these huge corporations to not only wreck the climate but to profit off the back of the cost of living crisis which they themselves have contributed to.
“The windfall tax Rishi Sunak introduced when he was Chancellor was a step in the right direction, but it includes loopholes which allows oil companies to avoid tax by investing even more in fossil fuels.
“Not only does this allow companies to avoid paying billions, it actually encourages the very activities that are causing so much damage and misery right now.
“We urge the government to remove the loopholes immediately and backdate the windfall tax to January, raising more money to help people through this cost of living crisis and starting the transition away from fossil fuels to a cleaner, greener and fairer future.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63409687
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has called for a policy reset to match the Cabinet changes announced by new PM Rishi Sunak.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Jacob Rees Mogg was a disaster in the short time he was Business Secretary, backing fracking and opening up the North Sea to more oil and gas exploration. Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena was at best anonymous.
“New Business Secretary Grant Shapps and new Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey have the chance to reset the agenda, and they must take it.
“The removal of COP26 President Alok Sharma from his Cabinet position does not bode well when the government should be planning for playing a full part in COP27.
“What matters most is that the government turns away from its obsession with promoting new fossil fuels, and stops tearing up regulations protecting nature.
“It must promote renewable energy and support people to insulate their homes with a funded national programme that will cut greenhouse emissions and energy bills.”
The Green Party has called on new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to put the country first and call a general election.
Responding to the news that Sunak has become the leader of the Conservative Party, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The country cannot afford more divisive infighting amongst a few elitist Conservatives whose policies are failing people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
“Even Conservative Party MPs and members have been excluded from the vote this time.
“People need to be democratically involved in finding solutions. This must include a General Election, and the opportunity to elect more Greens committed to a more equal society and solving the environmental crisis.
“The Conservatives are responsible for plunging this country into an economic and political crisis. It’s clear to the entire country that they are simply incapable of getting us out of it.”
The Greens have highlighted Sunak’s terrible record on tackling inequality and addressing the climate crisis as two major reasons why he will not be able to lead the country out of the crises it currently faces:
-
While chancellor, Sunak blocked a nationwide programme of insulation to replace the failed green homes grant that would save people money and reduced energy consumption;
-
His windfall tax on oil and gas companies was full of loopholes, failing to raise the sums needed and it actually rewarded the same companies for investing more in fossil fuels;
-
As the UK prepared to host the COP26 UN climate summit, he signed off on devastating cuts to overseas aid that left the countries most impacted by the environmental crisis without the money to tackle it.
Ramsay said:
“The Tories want to impose the horrors of Austerity 2.0 in their Halloween Budget, but have no electoral mandate for doing this. Austerity means more cuts to vital public services and more suffering for people across the country.
“The government simply cannot govern under this Prime Minister - it is unfit for office. A General Election will allow people to have their say and vote for policies to reduce the cost of living and protect our environment.
“The Green Party stands for a fairer, greener country. The way out of the crisis is to do the opposite of what the government is planning.
“We would reduce inequality through progressive taxation, including a Wealth Tax, and raise money through windfall taxes on the companies making super profits during this cost-of-living crisis.
“We would use the money raised to make sure people can afford to keep warm and fund a national home insulation programme.
“We would reduce inequality by asking those with the deepest pockets to pay more tax to help fund quality public services for all.
“And, we would invest in the kind of economy that puts people and the planet before greed and super-profits for giant corporations.
“Now is the time for people to decide the country’s future.”
Responding to the end of Liz Truss’ short time as Prime Minister, Green Party co–leader Carla Denyer said:
“The Tory chaos has spiralled beyond any pretence that the country has a viable government.
“It is reckless for the Tories to claim that they can replace Liz Truss with any leader capable of commanding authority, nationally or internationally.
“The Tories want to impose Austerity 2.0 with no electoral mandate. That means more cuts to vital public services and more suffering for people across the country.
“The government simply cannot govern - it is unfit for office.
“We need a General Election now so people can vote for the policies they want to see that will turn this mess around.
“The Green Party will always stand for a fairer, greener country. We believe the way out of this crisis is to do the opposite of what the government has done - to reduce inequality rather than making it worse, through progressive taxation, including a Wealth Tax, and windfall taxes on the companies making super profits during this cost-of-living crisis.
“We would use the money to invest in a nationwide insulation programme to make sure people can afford to keep their homes warm, reduce inequality by ensuring that those with the deepest pockets help fund proper public services for all, and fund the beginnings of a just transition to a sustainable economy that protects the people and planet.
“It is time for the people to be given their chance to decide on the country’s future.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has thrown its support behind a new campaign to ask NHS leaders to pledge to end NHS privatisation. The We Own It campaign is launched against a backdrop of new Oxford University research that links outsourcing in the NHS between 2013 and 2020 to 557 preventable deaths.
Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the Green Party, will speak at the launch event today. He is expected to say:
“We need to keep the NHS publicly funded, publicly provided and free at the point of use. That’s all health services including dental services - people’s health should never be up for auction.
“The Green Party have, and will always, oppose introducing market forces and competition into our NHS. It was Green Party MP Caroline Lucas who in 2015 put forward the cross-party NHS Reinstatement Bill in Parliament, to reinstate the NHS based on its founding principles and reverse the creeping marketisation of the health service.
“Let’s remember the NHS belongs to us all - and we will always be there to make the argument alongside you that we own it.”
In 2021 Green Party conference passed a motion calling for a 15% pay rise for NHS workers and at this year's conference voted for the introduction of a £15 an hour minimum wage for all workers and pledged support for all trade union campaigns that aim to achieve wage increases to match the cost of living.
The Green Party has repeated its call for a wealth tax in response to chancellor Jeremy Hunt saying that the government will “better incentivise energy efficiency" in his statement yesterday [1]. Co-leader Adrian Ramsay said that such a tax could ensure real action on efficiency savings by raising the funds for a national programme of home insulation.
Ramsay said:
“With the chancellor calling for spending cuts, it looks like ‘incentivising energy efficiency’ will amount to little more than public information campaigns or asking citizens to reduce energy consumption. We need real action to help people cut their energy use. A national programme of home insulation could shave thousands of pounds off energy bills while cutting emissions.
“A modest tax on the wealthiest 1% of households could raise in the region of £70bn [2], which could contribute significantly to creating warmer, more comfortable homes and bringing bills down for good.
“A more progressive tax system is also the fairest way to avoid another round of damaging austerity and will help to genuinely level up the economy, since it would be paid by the very richest who are generally in more affluent areas and be redistributed across the country.
“Never has the case for a wealth tax been stronger. It would help reverse years of damage caused to both society and the climate by successive Tory governments.”
Notes
[1] Government 'will better incentivise energy efficiency' | Politics News | Sky News
[2] The_Case_for_a_Progressive_Annual_Wealth_Tax_(2021)_v2.pdf
Responding to the emergency statement from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt this morning [1], Green Party co–leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The Chancellor’s emergency statement today is yet another symbol of the country’s economic and political instability caused by the recklessness of a Conservative government with no regard for the needs of ordinary people or the environment.
“As well as completely ripping up what was left of the Prime Minister’s credibility, what the Chancellor has signalled today is more austerity.
“That means more cuts to vital public services and more suffering by everyday people who did not vote for and do not want the dangerous ideologically-driven policies the Conservatives brought forward and are now desperately scrambling to overturn.
“The government can no longer govern - this chaos has to end. We cannot continue to lurch from crisis to crisis, while people are left struggling to get by and the natural world around us is destroyed.
“We need a general election now so people can vote for the policies they want to see to turn this mess around.
“The Green Party would do exactly the opposite of Truss’ reckless economic policies, which were designed to make the rich richer and would have driven up inequality. We are not afraid to say that the very richest should pay more to ensure we have the public services we need for a successful economy and society.
“For example, a wealth tax on the richest 1% could help fund a huge insulation and renewables programme that would help reduce rampant inequality, keep bills down for good and tackle the climate emergency.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-brings-forward-further-medium-term-fiscal-plan-measures
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to the news that Prime Minister Liz Truss has sacked Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Everybody knows the Chancellor was not the only one to blame for the disastrous mini-budget which has caused so much panic in the markets and turmoil to households up and down the country.
“Liz Truss built her entire leadership bid on the economic fantasy of lowering taxes to make the rich richer. Sacking the Chancellor is a desperate attempt to avoid taking responsibility.
“The economic crisis we face will not be solved by a revised mini-budget and a resigned Chancellor.
“To get the economic stability we need and start to tackle the cost-of-living and climate crises, we need a change of direction and the public must have its say.
“Liz Truss’ short time as Prime Minister surely has to come to an end soon and we cannot have the Tories once again deciding for themselves who should be Prime Minister from a dwindling pool of talent. The country needs a General Election.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Green Party councillors who are members of ruling administrations in England have written to Simon Clarke, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, asking for a guarantee that councils will not be out of pocket as a result of the proposed cap on social rents. They also point to how local authorities would be undermined without a corresponding cap on private sector rents.
A government consultation ends today, which has sought views on proposals to cap social housing rent increases for the coming financial year, with options at 3%, 5% and 7% being considered [1].
In their letter to the Secretary of State [2], the councillors say:
“In our view, a government-imposed cap on social rents is not the way to address the cost of living without equivalent action on private rents. We are living through a housing crisis, with private sector rents becoming increasingly unaffordable in many parts of the country. To cap social rents while taking no action in the private sector and failing to provide local authorities with additional funding would undermine local authorities’ ability to build or purchase affordable homes, just when they are most needed to house those least able to afford inflated private sector rents.”
Councillor Douglas Johnson, who is Chair of Housing Policy Committee on Sheffield City Council, said:
“Without extra funding, the cost of any social rent cap will be borne by local councils and their tenants. This would mean less money for councils to spend on crucial services and maintenance; less support available to those in serious hardship and reductions in essential insulation work to reduce tenants’ bills. We need a guarantee that the government will stump up the extra cash needed to fund a rent freeze and a guarantee that councils will not be out of pocket.”
Notes
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rent-cap-on-social-housing-to-protect-millions-of-tenants-from-rising-cost-of-living
[2] Letter to Simon Clarke, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities:
Dear Simon,
Proposed Rent Cap on Social Housing
We are writing as Green Party chairs of committees, Cabinet members for housing responsibility and elected councillors in local government, about the proposed rent cap. Although the Association of Green councillors has responded directly to the formal consultation, we wanted to set out clearly our concerns about the impact on our tenants.
At a local level, we are acutely conscious of, and acting on, both the cost-of-living crisis and inflation in materials and labour. Our frustration is that we are yet to see a clear plan emerging from central government to do the same.
In our view, a government-imposed cap on social rents is not the way to address the cost of living without equivalent action on private rents. We are living through a housing crisis, with private sector rents becoming increasingly unaffordable in many parts of the country. To cap social rents while taking no action in the private sector and failing to provide local authorities with additional funding would undermine local authorities’ ability to build or purchase affordable homes, just when they are most needed to house those least able to afford inflated private sector rents. This would, we feel, also undermine the laudable work achieved through “Everyone In.” The government’s proposal means a massive real-terms cut in the resources so desperately needed for social housing, to the detriment of all council and housing association tenants.
You will be aware, of course, that the majority of social housing tenants - those in receipt of benefits - would not be any better off as a result of your proposal. Those not in receipt of benefits would see cuts in services and maintenance, less support available to those in serious hardship; and reductions in essential insulation work to reduce tenants’ bills. The only real beneficiary of this move is central government, who we estimate will save about £4.3 billion over five years in housing benefit payments. Effectively, this cost will be borne by local councils and their tenants.
We welcome the consultation but would like to see a clear proposal on the support measures for local councils and their tenants. We are frankly disappointed that this consultation is only being run after the decision on the social rent cap has been announced.
Most significantly, we need to remind you that the effect of a below-inflation cap is to have ongoing effects year-on-year. Our request therefore is for central government to guarantee that councils will not be out of pocket either in this year or subsequently as a result of this hasty intervention.
We look forward to hearing from you in due course and would welcome a meeting to discuss our concerns and your response.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Douglas Johnson, Chair of Housing Policy Committee, Sheffield City Council
Cllr Siriol Hugh-Jones, Deputy Leader and co-chair of Housing Committee, Brighton & Hove City Council
Cllr David Gibson, co-chair of Housing Committee, Brighton & Hove City Council
Cllr Lesley Whybrow, Cabinet Member for the Environment, Folkestone & Hythe District Council
Cllr Zoe Nicholson, Deputy Leader, Lewes District Council
Cllr Ellie Chowns, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy, Herefordshire Council.
Cllr Robin Bennett, Deputy Leader, South Oxfordshire District Council
Cllr Andrew Cooper, Leader of the Green Group, Kirklees Council
Cllr Andrew Prosser, Cabinet Member, West Oxfordshire District Council
Cllr Steve Hynd, Housing Committee Member, Stroud District Council
Cllr Chris Jockel, Stroud District Council
Cllr Maleiki Haybe, Housing Policy Committee Member, Sheffield City Council
Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing, City of York Council
Cllr Gina Dowding, Cabinet Member, Lancaster City Council
Responding to news that Liz Truss’s ministers are planning to ban solar farms from most of England’s farmland [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“It is clear that the Tories and their fossil fuel friends have turned into the anti-renewables coalition. The fact that this attack on solar farms has not been matched by a mandate to developers that all new housing developments must be fitted with roof top panels shows this is an ideologically driven policy that makes no economic or environmental sense.
“Solar panels can be deployed extremely quickly and offer some of the cheapest electricity, helping to tackle both the cost of living crisis and the climate emergency.
“Research has also shown that solar energy generation and food production can co-exist well together. Arranged in certain formations, solar panels have actually been found to boost agricultural production by helping with shading and water conservation during heatwaves, for example [2]. Rather than banning solar farms, the government should be advancing deployment of solar projects in a way that benefits local communities, farmers and biodiversity.”
Notes
-
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/10/ministers-hope-to-ban-solar-projects-from-most-english-farms
-
Agrivoltaic solar farms offer "shocking" benefits beyond producing energy (dezeen.com)
Responding to Business Secretary Jacob Rees Mogg’s opening up of a new North Sea Oil and Gas exploration round [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“The government’s claim that burning ever more fossil fuels from the North Sea will help the UK meet its international obligations to become net zero by 2050 [2] has no connection to reality - we truly have stepped through the Looking Glass.
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Energy Agency and the United Nations have each warned there can be no new fossil fuel projects if there is to be any chance of keeping global temperature rises under 1.5 degrees.
“Furthermore, Jacob Rees-Mogg’s claims that these new licences will increase energy security in the face of Russian aggression is also for the birds. The North Sea Transition Authority, which regulates them, says even the fast-tracked ones won’t come on stream for five years.
“The only people who benefit from this reckless decision are the fossil fuel companies and vested interests who have backed the Truss government and are now receiving their payback.
“The reality is, we can only hope to hold global warming to under 1.5 degrees if we leave fossil fuels in the ground.
“The most effective and sustainable way to ensure energy security is to invest in insulating houses and massively ramping up renewable energy [3]. New oil and gas exploration is an expensive and dangerous road to planetary destruction.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-63163824
2
In her speech to the Conservative Party Autumn Conference, Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “We are opening more gas fields in the North Sea and delivering more renewables and nuclear energy. That is how we will protect the great British environment, deliver on our commitment to net zero and tackle climate change.”
3
At itsAutumn Conference last weekend, the Green Party presented its plan to tax tbe wealth of the richest 1% at a rate starting at 1% to raise at least £70bn to invest in insulating peoples’ homes and expanding renewables
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Green councillors across England and Wales are urging their councils to reject ‘Investment Zones’, which are a core element in the Conservatives’ ‘Growth Plan.[1]’ Greens say the plans, which aim to accelerate housing and infrastructure through a new streamlined planning system, threaten both local democracy and the environment [2].
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Investment zones, as set out by the government, threaten to ride rough-shod over agreed local priorities, further damage the environment and nature, and reduce commitments to affordable homes and community facilities.
“By offering a liberalised planning process with tax breaks, this is a developers charter, that will mean local communities lose their rights to resist unsustainable development and allow developers to by-pass local objections entirely.
“The guidance wants to remove current legal requirements which provide the key tools for protecting nature during the planning process. Even worse, it suggests Investment Zones could be allowed in National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and other protected environments.The legal requirement to achieve Net Zero by 2050 has also been completely ignored.
“As Greens we urge local councils to take a stand: to refuse to agree to a new streamlined overarching planning system; to make clear their commitment to local control of planning, and insist existing protections for the environment and for nature are retained.
“We do urgently need investment in our local communities. But Greens have a very different vision of how we can create prosperity.
“We desperately need to insulate our homes and workplaces, provide clean and cheap renewable energy, improve public transport, produce healthy local food and help nature thrive. We also need serious investment in our crumbling health and social care services. All of which will help create thousands of new jobs.
“We understand the desperate need many councils have for investment and funding. But we will resist harmful Investment Zones and continue to fight for fairer, greener communities."
Notes
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/investment-zones-in-england-expression-of-interest
- https://www.wcl.org.uk/open-letter-to-pm-on-environmental-deregulation.asp
Responding to Prime Minister Liz Truss’ speech to the Conservative Party conference today, Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski said:
“This government is determined to wreck the climate with a dangerous drive to growth that is based on greater investment in fossil fuels that are destroying the planet.
“Liz Truss used her speech today to try and build a coalition of ‘enemies’ that she claims are holding the country back. This is divisive and false.
“We stand for the planet and for the people. There is no climate justice without social justice, and no future for the planet with this dead-end government.
“We need to raise the funds needed to tackle rising poverty and inequality through a targeted wealth tax and to use these funds to drive massive investment in insulating peoples' homes and rolling out renewable energy to lower bills, stabilise the economy and tackle climate change.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has condemned the government over its planned blanket ban on asylum claims from people who arrive 'illegally' [1]. They have repeated their call for a kinder fairer process where the UK works together with European neighbours to open up safe routes to help all those in need.
Benali Hamdache, Green Party spokesperson on Migration and Refugee Support, said:
“This government is now committed to turning away nearly every refugee in need, at a time when the world is an increasingly less stable place. No one chooses to be a refugee, but conflict and the climate crisis are driving millions out of their homes.
“Rather than accept that fact, the Tories are scapegoating desperate people. They’re chasing populist headlines rather than creating a kinder fairer process that is so desperately needed.
“And in the face of the most draconian attack on refugee rights, Labour had nothing to say, merely parroting Tory lines on the legality of migration [2]. It’s clear only the Green Party will stand up for migrants and refugees.
“We will always welcome refugees. We’d work together with our European neighbours to open up safe routes to help all those in need.”
Green Party co-leader, Carla Denyer, added:
“Nine in every ten people who travel by boat across the Channel come from 10 countries where human rights abuses and persecution are common. What the government is proposing would essentially end the right to claim asylum for those who need it most. The choice is clear: a cruel ban on refugees by the Tories or a compassionate welcome from the Greens.”
Notes
[1] Suella Braverman says Channel migrants will be banned from claiming asylum in UK | Evening Standard
[2] Sky News on Twitter: Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP
Hundreds of Green Party councillors have sent an open letter to local Conservative councillors in their area, calling on them to disown the government’s ‘attack on nature.’ Greens have decried Kwasi Kwarteng’s recent ‘mini-budget’ as a ‘three-pronged assault’’.
As the Conservative Party begins its conference in Birmingham, Green councillors are urging local Conservative councillors to say ‘no’ to their new leaders and stand up for their community and local environment.
Government plans include ‘investment zones’ which would make it easier to get planning permission; a ‘sunset clause’ on EU environmental protections; and scrapping the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), which would have paid farmers to improve nature on their land, with plans to replace this with a payment-by acre not linked to any environmental measures.
Councillor Ellie Chowns, a cabinet member on Herefordshire Council and Green Party spokesperson on Housing and Communities, said:
“Conservative councillors represent many rural voters who will be up in arms about the government proposals. They should show courage and do the right thing by opposing these hugely damaging plans, which are almost the direct opposite of Conservative manifesto promises and have never been put to the British people.
“We need all our local politicians, whichever party they come from, to stand up for nature. We can have robust local economies whilst also helping nature to recover and thrive. Local Tories have a special responsibility to say no to their new leaders and defend the natural environment on behalf of our communities.”
The full letter reads as follows:
Dear Conservative councillors,
“This Government has today launched an attack on nature” ~ RSPB England
There is widespread anger in response to government plans to remove fundamental legal protections for our environment. Opposition has come from many organisations ranging from the RSPB and National Trust through to the Wildlife Trusts and Friends of the Earth.
Alongside the reckless approach to the nation's finances, the government seems intent on tearing up protection for nature. In a three-pronged assault on nature Ms Truss and Mr Kwarteng plan to;
- Scrap planning rules that protect nature in new ‘investment zones’ covering huge areas of the country.[1] [2]
- Rip up environmental protections introduced by the EU, without plans for replacement.[3]
- Withdraw plans to help farmers to protect nature [4], with reports suggesting the ‘Environmental Land Management Scheme’ (ELMS) has been ‘put on hold’ whilst a return to a Common Agricultural Policy type per acre payment is expected, which will break a specific manifesto pledge [5].
Of course, just before these announcements we also saw Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg open the door to environmentally damaging fracking, a policy that is widely opposed, will do nothing to reduce energy bills and which the founder of Cuadrilla himself says is unviable [6].
The responses from those who care for nature have been overwhelming.
Joan Edwards, director of policy for The Wildlife Trusts, says these policies will mean “polluters can get away with poisoning our rivers and countryside – even more than they are doing already” [7/8].
Hilary McGrady of the National Trust says, “environmental protections are dismissed as ‘burdens’, while investment and growth are pitted against nature and climate action.”
These proposals come as part of a ‘dash for growth’ package which is also spooking markets and ruining government finances. There is no mandate for these measures: they actually reverse the direction of travel on the environment in your 2019 manifesto and have never been put to the British people.
Yet we know people’s livelihoods and local economies can be put on a sound footing with a three pronged approach to investment: in nature recovery, in renewable energy and in home insulation to reduce energy bills. Research has shown that “Protection and use of environmental assets is key to evening out economic imbalances between metropolitan and rural areas”[8]. In other words, the recovery of nature and the revival of local living standards should and can go hand-in hand.
We call on you to make plain to your party leaders that these policies must be reversed. We ask for a public statement from your group leader on your group’s views about these policies.
There is no case for staying silent, and every reason to stand up for your communities and for your local environment by making it plain that you will not support the tearing up of environmental protection and the reversal of attempts to help nature thrive.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-growth-plan-2022-factsheet-on-investment-zones/the-growth-plan-2022-investment-zones-factsheet
[2] Map of investment zones: https://twitter.com/RSPBEngland/status/1573366828222808064
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/23/uk-environment-laws-under-threat-in-deregulatory-free-for-all
[4] https://www.edie.net/reports-defra-set-to-scrap-plans-to-pay-farmers-for-nature-restoration-and-creation/
[5] ““in return for funding, [farmers] must farm in a way that protects and enhances our natural environment” https://www.conservatives.com/our-plan/conservative-party-manifesto-2019
[6] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/21/fracking-wont-work-uk-founder-chris-cornelius-cuadrilla
[7]https://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/research/title_918714_en.html
[8] https://envirotecmagazine.com/2022/09/26/the-uk-governments-deregulation-agenda-is-dangerous/
Green Party conference today called for objects obtained “during the period of imperial expansion and colonialism, and in other conflicts and periods” to be returned to their original owners. [1]
Museums and galleries around the world are beginning to ask deep-seated questions about how objects came to be in their collections, and it is time the government did so too, Greens declared.
Objects held in institutional and private collections should be referred to an expert Restitution of Cultural Objects Panel.
Where the expert committee finds, and a government Minister agrees, objects would be returned to their original owners, descendents or the state from where they were appropriated.
Green Party Culture spokesperson Jack Lenox said:
“This model worked well in relation to cultural objects stolen in the run up to the Second World War. It’s time for the same principles to be applied to other collections”.
“We recognise that each case will have to be considered on its merits. There will be issues about legal ownership, but also important moral arguments. This will involve discussion with the individuals and states from where objects were taken and the holding institution or collection.”
Martin Hemingway, who proposed the successful motion, said:
“This is as much a moral question as a legal one.The universities of Oxford and Aberdeen have already established ways of considering these issues. Other museums, like London’s Horniman, are returning objects taken from Africa. [2]
“We need a proper process in place that enables everyone with an interest to make their case and for objects to be returned to their rightful homes.”
ENDS
Notes
1
The full motion can be read here: https://greencoordinate.co.uk/agenda/motions/restitution-and-repatriation-of-cultural-objects/
2
https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2022/aug/30/the-benin-bronzes-return-to-nigeria-podcast
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has backed the introduction of a £15 an hour minimum wage for all workers at its conference in Harrogate [1]. Party members also declared their support for all trade union campaigns that aim to achieve wage increases to match the cost of living.
Professor Catherine Rowett, Green Party Work, Employment and Social Security spokesperson, said:
“Inflation and the cost of living crisis are having a dramatic negative impact on the real value of the existing National Living Wage, which has never been a real living wage anyway. The Green Party recognises the dire levels of in-work poverty created by our low-wage economy, and the overwhelming support from members for a £15 minimum wage will be welcome news to millions of workers.
“Decades of Tory, Labour and Coalition governments have created a Poverty Economy where 14.5 million people are living in poverty. One in ten full-time workers are in poverty, rising to a third of working-age adults in families where there is only part-time work. Today Greens said it’s time to fight back and create a new social contract, where a basic standard of living isn’t a luxury.
“This is one part of a full package of measures we would introduce to deliver a fairer and more equal society. The Green Party has long-standing policies for a Universal Basic Income and legislation to limit the maximum salary in an organisation to no more than ten times the wage of its lowest paid worker.”
ENDS
Notes
1
The full motion can be read here: https://greencoordinate.co.uk/agenda/motions/15-minimum-wage/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
- Call for a legal process to prosecute those most responsible for the UK having failed to protect people and habitats from climate breakdown
- Liz Truss instructing King Charles not to attend COP27 “a shameful end to the UK’s tenure as COP president” - Carla Denyer
Green Party co-leader, Carla Denyer, has said Liz Truss instructing King Charles not to attend the COP27 climate negotiations in Egypt in November is ‘shameful’. The news comes as Green Party conference agreed a motion calling for the establishment of a legal process to prosecute those most responsible for the UK having failed to protect people and habitats from climate breakdown.
Denyer said:
“News that Liz Truss has instructed King Charles not to attend COP27 in November is a shameful end to the UK’s tenure as COP president. It is a sign of what many feared - we have a prime minister willing to dilute UK action on the most important global crisis we face, just at a time we need to step up our game.
“But more crucially, under the UK’s presidency, the COP process has failed to set the world on a path to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees. Today our conference agreed on the need for a legal process to prosecute those most responsible for the UK having failed to protect people and habitats from climate breakdown.”
The motion, passed on the final day of Green Party conference in Harrogate, also called on the Government, as outgoing president of the COP process, to make sure that COP27 takes place in a more transparent and inclusive way and that lower and middle-income countries are listened to in the negotiation and treated as equals.
Denyer continued:
“We need a process which delivers a robust science-based review of every country’s progress towards delivering on their agreed emissions targets and to be held accountable for their shortfalls, and for the losses and damage caused by their emissions.”
ENDS
Notes
The full text of the motion can be viewed here: https://greencoordinate.co.uk/agenda/motions/improving-national-accountability-for-climate-damage/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
- “The country is paying a high price for Brexit, in economic, social and environmental terms. We should look to re-join the EU as soon as it is practicable to do so” - Molly Scott Cato, former Green MEP
- Call for speedy return to free movement and re-joining the customs union
The UK should make a speedy return to the free movement of people between the UK and the European Union and re-join the customs union, to lessen the problems resulting from Brexit, say the Green Party. Members at the Party’s conference in Harrogate also voted in favour of pursuing a policy to re-join the EU “as soon as the political situation is favourable and the right terms are available [1].”
Members backed continued participation in the Erasmus+ scheme, to ensure that “all young people, regardless of background and socio-economic status, continue to enjoy the opportunity to explore the continent they share with those from the 27 EU member states.”
Reacting to the motion on “Closer Alignment to the European Union”, former Green Party MEP Molly Scott Cato, who is also Vice Chair of the European Movement, said:
“The country is paying a high price for Brexit, in economic, social and environmental terms. Whilst the decision to leave the EU cannot be immediately reversed, it is clear, given the damage Brexit is inflicting on our country, that long term we should look to re-join as soon as it is practicable to do so.
“In the meantime, the worst problems resulting from Brexit would be eased by re-joining the customs union, signing up to a comprehensive agreement with the EU covering the protection of human, animal and plant life and reintroducing free movement of people between the UK and the EU.
“It is also clear that the best way to maintain high standards on workers’ rights, health and safety and environmental protection is to mirror the legislative rules governing the EU single market. The proposed Brexit Freedoms Bill is utterly horrific and has fired the starting-gun on a race to the bottom on environmental and social standards.
“It is particularly vital that young people, who overwhelmingly rejected Brexit, should not be penalised. They must be able to continue having opportunities to study, work and form relationships across the 27 EU member states. The continued participation in the Erasmus+ scheme will help enable this.
“Brexit has severely disrupted diplomatic relations with our EU neighbours and undermined the UK’s trustworthiness around the world. The readiness to breach international law and threaten the peace by tearing up the Northern Ireland protocol has reinforced this. If acted on, the motion agreed by Green Party members today will help rebuild trust within our country and with partner nations around the world.”
ENDS
Notes
Full text of agreed motion: https://greencoordinate.co.uk/agenda/motions/closer-alignment-to-the-european-union/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Hello, conference. It’s wonderful to be here with you in Harrogate - and a warm welcome, to all those joining us online too.
How much has changed since we were last here, in 2017.
Back then, Theresa May had just lost her majority.
The government was in the middle of negotiating a Brexit deal.
We had no idea what was to come: a global pandemic, war in Ukraine, and unprecedented shifts to our society and our politics.
I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately, as my time as Deputy Leader comes to an end. I was elected eight years ago, at the age of 29. I was the youngest person in a political leadership role in the UK.
In that time, I’ve witnessed a lot.
Four prime ministers. Three general elections. Two referendums.
Not to mention the immense change that has taken place within our party.
In just a few years, we have gone from a small party with a few thousand members to a mass movement of tens of thousands. From being ignored by the establishment to becoming a voice of authority not just on climate change but on social justice too. To almost quadrupling our councillors to the powerful team of 558 councillors representing their communities across the country.
The press reported the Green wave as if it was going to crash. What they didn’t see was that we were flooding communities with volunteers and activists determined to transform the places they care about, and demand action for people left behind by complacent politicians.
The unstoppable power of our Green wave won’t end until we have control of councils, Green MP’s and Greens in Government.
It was actually here in Harrogate that I launched one of the campaigns I am most proud of - to make misogyny a hate crime. Being here today made me think about how much has changed since that. A few days later the Me Too movement dominated the news. We still need to win the rights we so desperately need to end the oppression of all women and understand the intersectional issues faced by women of colour, disabled women, LGBTIQA women, trans women, young women, older women and, working class women, there has been a definite shift in women’s representation.
I keep thinking about an experience I had in the 2015 general election, I was representing the party on a panel chaired by Jon Snow. One question from the audience was a really good one - ‘why aren’t there more women and young people in politics?’
There I am sat there. The only woman on the panel, the youngest person on the panel by at least a decade - I assumed Jon would go straight to me to answer that. Instead, he went first to Hillary Ben from Labour to hear what his knowledge was about women and young people in politics, then to the man from the Conservatives, next the man Liberal Democrats , then to a man from Ukip. I thought my moment had come,, but instead he said “That’s all we’ve got time for tonight, tune in next week….”
As the credits roll you can see me talking to Hilary Benn about why moments like that are exactly why young people and women feel excluded from politics.
I realised afterwards that I had missed an important opportunity. In reaction to this I should have said “When it comes to women and young people in politics, you know nothing Jon Snow”. That’s one for all you Game of Thrones fans.
That kind of moment feels unthinkable now. And I’m so proud to be part of the movement championing young women in politics, and fighting for the rights of all women.
But there is so much more to do. Making misogyny a hate crime. Standing up for survivors of domestic abuse. Fighting against sexist policing. I’ve fought for our rights as deputy leader, and I won’t stop until we have won.
I began my leadership just weeks before the Scottish Independence Referendum. One of the defining memories of my leadership is the night of the referendum, marching to Holyrood with thousands of other independence supporters.
It was a huge moment, not just for Scotland but for the whole of the UK. It made us ask what we could achieve if we had the courage to go against the status quo. As I marched that night I was moved by what I felt from the crowd, something that is so rare in politics - hope.
And although we didn’t win that night, that hope has endured.
Hope defined the Green Party the following year, as we were heading into the 2015 general election, and I don’t think any of us saw coming the impact that campaign had.
Our bold anti-austerity message resonated deeply with the public, and it caused a seismic shift in politics.
Over a quarter of a million people signed a petition calling on the BBC to include us in the leaders debates. Polling put us ahead of the Liberal Democrats. On the night of the election, we won our highest ever vote share.
But that wasn’t all. We had successfully changed the narrative in politics, giving a voice to the millions of people who wanted to say no to cuts and yes to investing in our public services.
A voice to all those who knew that our broken economic order wasn’t working for them and that another way was possible.
A voice to everyone who wanted a fairer future.
Since then, that is what we have continued to do. Spoken up for those who are marginalised. Brought dissenting views into the mainstream.
Take our EU referendum campaign. We held on to our principles, and campaigned unapologetically for freedom of movement, migrants’ rights, and international solidarity.
When COVID hit, we called for an approach that would support everyone - with statutory sick pay for people isolating, a ban on evictions, and increased benefits.
And when we began to emerge from the pandemic, we called for a green recovery. With business as usual clearly redundant, we were ready with the policies the moment demanded - from a universal basic income to a green new deal.
I can’t pretend that we have won every battle in my time as Deputy Leader. It’s been a challenging eight years, with the far right ramping up attacks on minorities, and those in power stripping away our public services in order to hand more wealth to the rich.
Never has the struggle we face been more stark than with last week’s shocking budget announcement: tax cuts for the ultra-rich, while across the country extreme poverty is tearing apart the fabric of our communities.
Because there is an alternative, and it’s needed now more than ever.
The Green Party - and our bold voice - has never been more needed.
The Labour party are spineless. The Liberal Democrats are invisible. And don’t get me started on the Conservatives.
We alone have the courage and principles to offer a different vision for the future.
This country is crying out for the kind of policies we offer.
A majority of voters support nationalisation - including Conservative voters.
People are sick of paying rip-off energy prices for their money to land in the pockets of wealthy shareholders.
They want action on inequality, on the climate, on our neglected NHS.
In the Green Party, our strength has always been that we don’t shy away from offering bold solutions.
We say what the other parties are too timid to say.
We stick to our principles when others chase public opinion. And voters know that.
But as we well know, the victory of our ideas cannot be taken for granted.
We have to be brave. We have to be loud. And we have to build from the grassroots up.
In my role as Deputy Leader, one of the things I’ve become perhaps most well known for is my ever-growing stack of train tickets.
I’ve spent my time in the leadership travelling across the country, visiting local parties to see the amazing work that you’re doing and support you to grow even further.
It’s down to the hard and often unsung work of local party members that we recently hit the incredible milestone of electing over five hundred and fifty local councillors across England and Wales.
It’s local party members who spend cold winter evenings knocking on doors, speaking to voters, and getting the Green message out there.
And it’s only through investing in our local parties that we will achieve the breakthroughs we need at the next General Election.
As it’s my final speech to conference, I want to leave you with a few words of advice:
- Never shy away from being radical yet rational in the policies we offer
- Hope is contagious. Never forget what gives you hope, and make sure you pass that on
- Remember your own power to make change happen. That’s about action on doorsteps, on the streets, and in Parliament.
As I step down after eight years as deputy leader, I am absolutely thrilled to be passing the torch to my good friend Zack Polanski.
An inspiring campaigner, a tireless activist, and above all, a dedicated Green.
But most of all, conference, I want to hand over to you.
This is the moment to get the Green message out there.
To make our voices heard on the doorsteps, at rallies, in council chambers and in the media.
Your passion and your work has got us this far. But I know there’s so much more we can achieve.
It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to do this work alongside you.
Now - over to you.
Green Party conference today pledged to support working people resisting the latest anti-trades union laws and committed itself to working with unions to establish a charter of positive rights. [1]
Professor Catherine Rowett, Green Party Work, Employment and Social Security spokesperson, said:
“The Conservative government is enabling firms to use agency workers to replace striking workers and break strike action, further undermining people’s democratic rights. These laws are the latest in a long line designed to restrict trade unions and worker organisation.
“Trade union rights are fundamental to a free society and enabled us to achieve major improvements in working conditions during the 20th century. It is terrifying to see those improvements being rolled back and the democratic freedoms that secured them taken away.
“The erosion of workers’ rights under successive Tory governments since Thatcher has contributed to rising inequality and exploitation of workers, leading to a dystopian prospect as the current government seeks to repeal protective EU regulations.”
Matthew Hull, Chair of the Green Party Trade Union Group, who proposed the successful motion, said:
“‘I’m delighted that the Green Party is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with working people struggling against precarious work, soaring prices and stagnant wages.
“We want to see the repeal of existing anti-union and anti-strike laws.
“They should be replaced with a positive charter of worker and trade union rights, enshrining the fundamental right to organise and strike, drawn up in consultation with trade unions. Those rights must include the right to take industrial action to demand ecological justice.”
Notes
1 The full motion can be read here: http://greencoordinate.co.uk/agenda/motions/stating-opposition-to-anti-union-and-anti-strike-laws/
- Zack Polanski highlights importance of diversity, representation and electoral reform in speech to Harrogate conference
- “There’s only one authentic response to people struggling just to get by and that response is solidarity” - Zack Polanski
The new deputy leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski, has told the party’s conference in Harrogate today that there is no environmental justice without social, racial and economic justice too.
Polanski used his maiden speech to pledge to campaign and speak with - rather than for - those people who don’t have a voice.
He said:
“Representation is important. Diversity is important. It’s massively important that I use this platform to campaign and speak with - rather than for - those people who don’t have that voice. There are so many people who feel unseen, unheard, unrepresented and we as a party can both connect with these people and take their worries and needs and speak truth to power.”
“Ultimately there’s only one authentic response to people struggling just to get by and in the Green Party we know that response is solidarity.”
Polanski also drew attention to “our broken voting system” as one of the key barriers to representation and urged Labour leader Keir Starmer to listen to his members on electoral reform:
“We have a broken voting system that means people are not represented properly in decisions made on everything from policing, transport to the NHS. We also know that if we want grown up politics; grown up collaborations that work in people’s best interests, then we need Proportional Representation. We’re delighted that Labour members, and unions, have backed Proportional Representation in overwhelming numbers. But Keir is saying no: no to fair votes. So let me say to Keir Starmer - listen to your members.”
Zack Polanski also praised his predecessor Amelia Womack, noting how her dedicated service has resulted in the huge growth of Green Party councillors during her eight years in post.
ENDS
The Green Party has warned the Liz Truss premiership risks further fueling the climate crisis and worsening inequality throughout the country.
The Greens are calling on the new prime minister to deal with the immediate fallout of the cost of living crisis and tackle the climate emergency by lowering the energy price cap to the October 2021 rate, beginning a massive nationwide insulation programme, and investing in more renewable energy [1].
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“Liz Truss being selected to become Prime Minister, by such a small and unrepresentative group of people, is a disaster for the UK and the climate.
“Truss’ reported plans to encourage the oil and gas industry to extract more fossil fuels from the North Sea [2] will do nothing to help households as they struggle with eye-watering energy bills this winter, but will fuel the climate crisis.
“Burning more fossil fuels will simply speed up climate breakdown, giving us more extreme heat, floods, storms and food shortages in the UK and across the world.
“This reckless plan, along with promises to cut the so-called green levy, demonstrates that Truss is making an ideological choice to curry favour with friends and Tory Party donors in the oil and gas industry.
“What is needed is to return energy to a more affordable level, which is why the Green Party has put forward its proposal to restore the energy price cap to the October 2021 rate of £1,277 and implement rapid investment in a nationwide home insulation programme while developing more renewable energy. This will provide the immediate action needed to help people right now, as well as looking ahead to ensure costs and emissions are kept to a minimum in the years to come.
“We can invest in a cleaner, greener, more affordable future. Whether we do so is a political choice. We urge Liz Truss to take a path that helps create a fairer society while tackling the climate crisis.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2022/08/17/greens-call-for-big-five-energy-companies-to-be-brought-into-public-ownership/
2
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/aug/30/liz-truss-oil-drilling-tory-leadership-energy
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, has the following response to the decision today to approve the construction of Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk:
“Sizewell C is massively costly, achingly slow, and carries huge unnecessary risks. Its approval marks Boris Johnson taking one final opportunity to kick the public in the teeth before his departure as Prime Minister.
"This project is expected to cost up to £30 billion; and in following the Regulated Asset Base business model, it will pass that enormous upfront cost directly onto the consumer. As energy bills soar ever higher and this lame duck Government leaves people in the lurch, the last thing the public needs right now is a massively costly nuclear white elephant. Even cabinet ministers are already expressing reservations about its value for money.
"When we need oven-ready solutions to delivering energy security and slashing bills, Sizewell C simply is not one of them. Hinkley Point C will have taken the best part of two decades to go from planning to production, and it’s still years behind schedule. This Sizewell plant could take anywhere between 10-17 years to build.
"Meanwhile, there are hundreds of energy-saving options and clean, cheap and home-grown renewable projects ready to go – yet solar farms are being refused at their highest rate for five years, the Government has utterly failed to adopt a retrofit revolution to slash energy bills, and now Tory leadership candidates are vowing to block onshore wind power which could be operational within days.
"Rubber stamping Sizewell C is simply Boris Johnson’s woeful final attempt at making his Prime Ministerial mark – it’s befitting of him that this vanity project is the wrong answer at the wrong time.”
Julian Cusack, chair of Suffolk Coastal Green Party, said: "For Boris Johnson to claim Sizewell C as his legacy is just outrageous. It is the wrong and unproven technology in the wrong place and will deliver the most expensive electricity sometime in the next decade. It is totally irrelevant to today’s energy cost crisis and will do wanton damage to prized landscapes and fragile local communities."
ENDS
Commenting on the unprecedented floods in Pakistan [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“The scale of the floods in Pakistan - with an area the size of the UK under water - are almost beyond comprehension. It resembles a disaster movie, but tragically this is the reality of the climate crisis. We’re all seeing the impact of this emergency more and more at home in the UK, but as climate scientists have warned, the most brutal impacts are being experienced by poorer countries who have actually contributed a lot less to global CO2 emissions.
“Not only must richer countries honour previous pledges to provide "loss and damage" funding for poorer countries, but the issue must be centre stage at this year’s climate talks in Egypt. We need to see a commitment to much greater levels of funding for poorer countries - delivered as grants, not loans, to prevent over-burdening these countries with debt [2].
“With its strong ties to Pakistan, and being one of the top 10 historical polluters, the UK has a particular responsibility to support the country to cope with this unprecedented tragedy affecting millions of people. The colonialism of the past also means the UK government needs to ensure it pays for ‘climate reparations’ [3].”
Notes
[1] Pakistan floods are ‘a monsoon on steroids’, warns UN chief
[2] COP26 agreement fails key climate tests but there is hope to salvage summit’s legacy, says Green Party
[3] COP26: For climate justice to be achieved, the UK needs to pay for the damage the British Empire caused (inews.co.uk)
- Green Party calls on government to return price cap to October 2021 level
- Carla Denyer: “The way forward is clear - a nationwide home insulation scheme and large scale investment in renewable energy. The longer the government delays on this, the longer it will put the UK at the mercy of volatile energy prices and climate damaging fossil fuels”
Responding to Ofgem’s announcement that the new energy price cap will rise to £3,549 between October and December [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“This latest rise in the price cap is a horrifying blow to households across the country and a reminder of just how broken our energy system is.
“Without proper intervention, people are going to die as a result of these unaffordable energy prices. Yet the government continues to sit on its hands, offering no help and no reassurance to the millions of people who are wondering how they are going to survive this winter.
“Only the government can make an intervention of the scale and speed required to help people through this crisis. We need to return the price cap back to what it was in October 2021, so that it is much more affordable for more people, and allow the government to absorb the global price rises through taxing the huge profits of the oil and gas companies.
“We will then need to bring the big five energy retailers into public ownership to stabilise the market and lay the groundwork for the huge investment we need to see in renewables and insulating peoples’ homes, starting as soon as possible. [2]
“But it’s not just households suffering from these price rises. After years of austerity, public services and small businesses are also at serious risk. We want to see more support for small businesses, and local authorities need to be properly funded and given the autonomy to make the best decisions for their local communities.
“Ultimately, renewables are the cheapest form of energy, and the cheapest bill of all is the one you don’t have to pay because your home is well insulated and efficient. So, the way forward is clear - a nationwide home insulation scheme and large scale investment in renewable energy. The longer the government delays on this, the longer it will put the UK at the mercy of volatile energy prices and climate damaging fossil fuels.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/aug/26/ofgem-raises-energy-price-cap-to-3549
2
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2022/08/17/greens-call-for-big-five-energy-companies-to-be-brought-into-public-ownership/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
Responding to GCSE results released today [Thursday 25 August], Green Party education spokesperson Vix Lowthion said:
“Congratulations to the Class of 2022 GCSE students for gaining their grades today after years of disruption due to the impact of the pandemic. They have achieved despite the challenges and obstacles and should be commended for their determination.
“Of course, the pandemic has had a long-term impact on the educational attainment of our young people, but the ‘disadvantage gap’ that researchers have identified is not only the result of Covid. It is also the result of years of school cuts, increasing levels of poverty and hardship experienced by families under this Conservative government.”
Lowthion, a teacher on the Isle of Wight, added:
“We rightly congratulate many thousands of students and teachers for getting fantastic grades, but the GCSE exam system also leaves too many young people behind who have struggled to attain the results to help them take their next steps.
“We need an education and assessment system that supports all students to have the opportunity to achieve, have second chances for those who need extra support and doesn’t leave anyone behind.
“There are many accounts of well-deserved achievements by our young people today after many months of hard work by staff and students, but the widening ‘attainment gap’ in the last 20 years (1) identified by the Institute for Fiscal Studies means that every GCSE results day there are disadvantaged young people who are less likely to succeed.”
Young Greens co-chair Kelsey Trevett said:
"Congratulations to all those collecting results this morning. GCSE students have experienced government negligence throughout this pandemic, consistently putting their well-being, health, and education secondary to economic growth.
"The resilience shown by school pupils is admirable, and students should be incredibly proud.
"We reiterate our frustration at the missed opportunity to reform school assessment away from an unfair and unrepresentative exam model. And we will continue to fight alongside students for the radical educational overhaul which is necessary to prepare them for the future they are inheriting, and which values learning and education independently of its capacity for profit making."
ENDS
Notes
1
https://ifs.org.uk/inequality/chapter/education-inequalities/
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
The Green Party has praised A-level, BTec and T-level students for achieving their results today in some of the most challenging circumstances in recent memory.
Students picking up their grades have succeeded despite the impact of covid on their studies, the lack of comprehensive catchup funding and disjointed changes to exam requirements in the last couple of years.
Vix Lowthion, Green Party Education spokesperson and an A Level teacher on the Isle of Wight, said:
“If education could be measured in terms of courage, resilience and determination then the class of 2022 and their teachers should sweep the board with honours.
“They have had to adapt to many different forms of learning and assessment, and this deserves acknowledgement and recognition as they hopefully are able to take the next exciting steps in their future.
“I call for the new Prime Minister to look to the example of our students adjusting to these changing circumstances in education, and pledge to prioritise a commission to reform our fragile and outdated assessment and exams system so that it is relevant, robust, fair and fit for the 21st century.
“Imagine how well our young people would do in the future if the assessment system was as strong and resilient as they have been.”
Jane Baston, co–chair of the Young Greens, said:
“Congratulations to all students receiving their results today. It's an incredible achievement, especially in light of having had to adapt to difficult circumstances created by the government's chaotic, dangerous mismanagement of education during Covid.
“However you plan to proceed, the value of learning is inherent: we share your fury at a government which time and time again puts the economy over your education, and celebrate the resilience you've shown. The fight for a fair education system continues, one which isn't solely focused on capitalist profit making.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the press office on press@greenparty.org.uk or call 0203 691 9401
- Green Party set out plan to restore the energy price cap to rate of October 2021
- Intervention would reduce the cost to the average household by more than £2,000
- Carla Denyer: “This experiment with the energy market has failed. Only the government can intervene at the scale required to avoid a catastrophe this winter”
The Green Party has called for the big five energy suppliers to be brought into public ownership and for the price of energy to be returned to where it was in October last year to protect households from accelerating energy costs.
As Ofgem continues to raise the energy price cap beyond affordability [1], the Greens have called for a powerful intervention in a market that is clearly failing.
Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
“We are seeing nationwide anxiety about the prospect of unpayable energy bills this winter.
“Other parties have only offered to fix energy prices at current levels, but we know these are already unaffordable. We would return energy prices to an affordable level.
“This experiment with an energy supply market has failed. Only the government can intervene at the scale required to avoid a catastrophe this winter.”
The party has called for the Big Five energy supply companies to be taken into public ownership, as proposed by the TUC [2], and restore the energy price cap to the level of last October.
The Greens say this would reduce the cost to the average household by more than £2,000 [3].
Denyer said:
“Everyone needs to use energy to survive, for basic needs like cooking and keeping warm. However, tackling the climate crisis requires that we improve our energy efficiency in this country.
“That’s why our differential tariff will cover basic energy needs but will include progressively rising prices for those who use more energy, with exceptions for those with disabilities and chronic health conditions, alongside support for those companies offering 100% renewable electricity, which is the cheapest form of electricity.
“Alongside an ambitious national home insulation scheme, this will help bring down energy use across the country.”
The Greens are renewing their call for home insulation to become the government’s top priority. Reducing energy demand by increasing energy efficiency is the most important step the government can take to ensure the UK’s long-term energy security.
Denyer said:
“Fixing the price of energy will put huge stress on energy supply companies, which is why we propose bringing the largest into public ownership and offering subsidies to smaller suppliers, especially the renewable energy specialists who have done so much to innovate in recent years.
“By bringing the big five energy retail companies into public ownership, setting the price of energy at an affordable rate and absorbing the global price rises, the government could make sure everybody can afford to get through this cost of living crisis.
“At the same time, it will mean this public service will be able to be run in the public interest, instead of in the interest of profit making.”
The TUC estimates it will cost £2.8bn to bring the big five energy retail companies into public ownership. This is less than the government has already spent to clean up the mess caused by the collapse of energy companies last autumn.
The Green Party has calculated it will cost £37bn to fix the price cap at the rate of last October. It says that closing the loopholes in Sunak’s windfall tax [5] and the higher VAT revenues resulting from higher prices across the rest of the economy could go a long way towards funding this vital policy. The party is also prepared to increase taxes on the super-rich for a policy that benefits them as well as those on the lowest incomes who need the most help.
Notes
-
Costings based on Cornwall Insight projections; note that they are projecting falls in energy prices by Q3 2023: https://www.cornwall-insight.com/price-cap-forecasts-for-january-rise-to-over-4200-as-wholesale-prices-surge-again-and-ofgem-revises-cap-methodology/
-
TUC plan for renationalisation of Big Five energy companies: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-publishes-plan-cut-bills-through-public-ownership-energy-retail
-
The energy price cap in October 2021 was £1,277, compared to the predicted price cap rise in October 2022 of £3,582. By keeping the price cap at the October 2021 rate, households will save more than £2,000
-
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/what-is-the-energy-price-cap/
-
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/oil-gas-windfall-tax-boost-b2088147.html
The Green Party has called for a series of measures to help stop three billion litres of water being wasted each day as a heat health-alert comes into force and England faces its worst drought in decades, with many households facing hosepipe bans and water shortages.
Greens are calling for an immediate enforcement order on water companies, along with a cut to executive pay, an end to dividends to shareholders and for the water supply to be brought back into public ownership as soon as is practicable to do so. They point to monopoly water companies losing between a quarter and a fifth of the water in their mains through unrepaired leaks while sewage regularly flows into rivers and coastlines [1].
Adrian Ramsay, co-leader of the Green Party, said:
“As the country faces a severe drought and people are asked to cut their water use, more than three billion litres of clean water is wasted every day due to a network of pipes riddled with leaks [2]. Shockingly, the most wasteful water companies waste more water than they provide to their customers. It’s time to hold the water companies and the water regulator to account and see some firm action against this scandal.
“We need Ofwat to apply an enforcement order on companies to properly carry out their statutory functions [3] - which includes ensuring that water actually reaches people’s homes and sewage doesn’t go into watercourses or end up on our coastline.
“But beyond that, the water industry cannot continue to be rewarded for failure. The £57bn paid out in dividends over the last 30 years [4] and hugely inflated salaries of water bosses [5] should have gone towards plugging the leaks. Instead of these companies being awash with profits and leaking funds towards shareholders, Greens say we should cut dividends and ensure water bosses earn no more than ten times the salary of the lowest paid in their companies.
“Ultimately, to end leaks, stop sewage discharges and cut bills we need to take the water supply back into public ownership, which is what the Green Party believes must be done at the earliest practicable opportunity.”
Notes
[1] Ofwat’s patience with water firms is drying up | The Times
[2] Wasting Water | Billions of Litres UK | Maintain Drains
[3] Our duties - Ofwat
[4] England's privatised water firms paid £57bn in dividends since 1991 | The Guardian
[5] Water bosses' £58m pay over last five years a 'national scandal' | The Guardian
Responding to the news that the Bank of England has raised interest rates to 1.75%, the biggest rise in 27 years, Green Party peer Natalie Bennett said:
“Today’s report from the Bank of England is devastating and paints a picture of our economy caught between the twin evils of out-of-control inflation and recession. Our entire economic system is in crisis and this Conservative government clearly has no idea what to do about it.
“The Bank of England is swinging its interest rate sledgehammer with little regard for the impact on working families who are already struggling. Raising interest rates to tackle inflation is like a doctor reaching for cyanide in response to a strychnine poisoning.
“Meanwhile those who should be showing leadership are indulging in fairy tales about tax cuts and growth.
“A decade of austerity and dependence on fossil fuels has left us economically and socially vulnerable to oil price shocks. A complete retrofit of our economy is urgently needed to ensure resilience.
“We need to see a raft of measures to provide immediate financial support to those who need it most, including an uplift in Universal Credit by £40 a week and a much bigger windfall tax, without the Tory government’s loopholes, on oil companies who are currently making huge profits off the suffering of everyone else.”
ENDS
Greens have accused the government of providing ‘scraps’ for transport funding across English regions compared to London and the South East. They point to the announcement of just £200 million to develop a mass transit network in West Yorkshire [1] compared to billions spent in London.
Green Party transport spokesperson, Matt Edwards, who is a Green Party councillor in Bradford, said:
"For decades transport spending in London and the South East has eclipsed the scraps we see in the North and other regions of the country. The paltry amounts promised to West Yorkshire to help deliver a new rapid transport network to one of the largest metro areas in Europe simply reinforces this imbalance. Regions outside London and the South East are being sold short.”
“The dire financial situation of Transport For London and the cuts to services across the South East show even these areas are not getting the funding required. But proportionally the rest of the country absolutely needs more funding if this government is serious about "levelling up.”
The Green Party recently called for axing the £27bn road building budget and diverting the money to pay for huge investment in public transport [2]. Councillor Edwards points to Greens in power delivering improved and affordable public transport:
“In Scotland Greens successfully pushed for free bus travel for all those under 22 and in Herefordshire, Greens on the Council ensured that Covid Recovery funds were used to provide free weekend buses. And just this week in Sheffield, after years of campaigning, Green councillors secured the return of a free circular bus service in the city centre [3].
"We need to transform how people in this country get around to get more people out of cars, and on to public transport, cycling and walking. The funding the government is offering is not going to deliver that anywhere."
Notes
- West Yorkshire mass transit: £200m for 'development and initial delivery' | Yorkshire Post
- We must go further on buses, say Greens | The Green Party
- Sheffield bus services: FreeBee circular bus returns to Sheffield city centre | The Star
Commenting on almost £7bn profits by BP between April and June [1], while one in eight UK households fear they have no further way to make cuts to afford a sharp increase in annual energy bills this autumn [2], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“These dirty profits made by climate wrecking corporations are completely obscene when millions of households are having sleepless nights over how they are going to pay their energy bills this winter. We need to super tax the grotesque profits of oil and gas companies to ensure that everyone has a warm home this winter.
“Every week that goes by with no leadership from government is a week wasted that could have been spent insulating homes. And every pound that goes into the pocket of a fossil company executive is a pound that should have been spent on insulating the homes of lower income households.
“But the Tories have left it too late. We cannot insulate enough homes fast enough to protect people this winter, which is why we need to adopt the policy of a social tariff, ensuring that the amount people pay for energy relates to their income. And to add £40 per week to the income of all those on universal credit and other legacy benefits to help with the knock-on effect of energy price rises on food and clothing.”
Notes
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-62382624
- More than one in eight UK households fear they have no way of making more cuts | The Guardian
The Green Party has called on the Conservative leadership candidates to commit to ensuring that the UK lives within its environmental means in the next ten years.
As Earth Overshoot Day [1], the date when humanity has used all the biological resources that Earth regenerates in a year, falls the week after the UK experienced extreme heat caused by climate change [2], the Greens have called on Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak to place as much urgency on the climate and ecological emergencies as they are in discussing economic growth.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“Just last week the UK witnessed the hottest temperatures on record and the consequences of climate disruption became clear for all to see.
“As wildfires raged and people lost everything as their homes were burnt to the ground, the two candidates to become our next Prime Minister were talking more about economic growth rather than tackling the climate crisis.
“Unfortunately, successive governments have for too long focused on economic growth at all costs, without acknowledging that it’s the quality of our economy that matters, not just the quantity. A narrow focus solely on economic growth will exacerbate the climate crisis and worsen social inequalities.
“On Earth Overshoot Day, I am calling on the Conservative leadership candidates to commit to broadening their focus from economic growth and show how they will ensure that the UK lives within our planetary means within the next ten years.
“Our government should be working across the board to ensure we’re leading the way on pushing back Earth Overshoot Day further every year.
“This requires a shift away from chasing economic growth only, and instead measuring the success of our economy by how it maximises people's happiness without exceeding planetary boundaries. It also means policies to tackle the scourge of inequality and ensure we share the earth’s resources fairly.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.overshootday.org/
2
https://news.sky.com/story/uk-heatwave-temperature-hits-39-1c-in-surrey-a-new-record-12654770
Responding to a report by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, which has found that air pollution is likely to increase the risk of developing dementia [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
"The true extent of just how damaging air pollution is to the health of people and planet continues to become clearer and clearer, yet both Labour and Conservative politicians seem determined to block action on so many levels.
"In Bristol, where I am a councillor, the Labour mayor has dithered and delayed for six years since a Green motion was passed to implement a clean air zone.
"As this report shows, this inaction is seriously impacting peoples' health and ultimately costing lives.
"Air pollution is a matter of social justice. And if the government and other regional leaders really wanted to take action on this then they would be seriously investing in public transport as well as walking and cycling infrastructure - doing all they could to help people get out of their cars and use cleaner forms of transport instead."
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/27/air-pollution-is-likely-to-raise-dementia-risk-find-uk-government-experts
Responding to shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves announcing this morning that Labour will not support bringing public services back into public ownership [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay:
“It is depressing to see Labour abandoning their traditional support for public ownership of essential services at a time when this is so popular amongst voters. Their attempt to compete with the Tories will see ordinary people and the planet pay the cost as a result.
“It’s clear for all to see that the privatisation of essential services like energy, transport and water has served only to line the pockets of shareholders, rather than ensure that these services we all depend on are reliable and affordable.
“The Green Party believes it is essential that public services are publicly owned, both in order to guarantee the level of service required to meet society’s needs and help tackle the climate crisis, and to ensure good pay and conditions of those working within them.
“The fact that Labour has abandoned these beliefs shows just how far Keir Starmer is prepared to drag the party away from representing the best interests of people and planet in order to gain power at any cost.”
ENDS
Notes
1
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-public-ownership-nationalise-reeves-starmer-b2130382.html
Reacting to the last knock-out round in the Tory leadership contest, resulting in Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss going forward to a vote by Conservative members, co-leader of the Green Party Adrian Ramsay said:
“Finally we are left with two candidates, after seemingly endless hours given over to a contest whose result will be determined by a tiny unrepresentative minority of the population.
“Both have voted for cuts to welfare benefits, against free school meals and for harsher asylum policies. And both seem more interested in pandering to the fossil fuel lobby and climate sceptics in their own ranks than actually addressing the climate crisis. A pledge on committing to net zero by 2050 had to be extracted from them under duress.
“We need firm leadership on cutting emissions and making sure the country is adequately prepared for future extreme weather events. And we need a politics of compassion towards the most vulnerable in society, not a competition in nastiness.
"In recent months we've seen public trust in politics undermined and a dereliction of duty in addressing the cost of living and climate crises. This government has lost its legitimacy. We need a general election.”
Responding to the announcement that the government has granted development consent for the new Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay, who is parliamentary candidate for Suffolk, said:
“The country needs investment in renewable energy and insulation at scale to address the cost of living and climate crises, not outdated and unproven technology that will be a drain on bill payers for the next 75 years. The government is dumping the £20bn price tag onto people who are already struggling with the cost of living crisis.
“This outdated design is also far too slow to help solve our climate and energy emergencies. The stated development time is 12-15 years but we have little confidence in the timescale given the current two year construction delay at Hinkley Point. Renewables can be delivered far quicker.
“This decision is politically driven by a misguided energy security policy, which calls for a massive boost in nuclear energy. There are much cheaper and less damaging renewable technologies available to supply the power we need.”
Notes
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-62235221
Responding to news the High Court has effectively ruled the government’s climate strategy “illegal and inadequate [1]” Green Party co-leader, Adrian Ramsay said:
“In the middle of the UK’s record breaking heatwave, the High Court has ruled the government’s climate strategy is illegal and inadequate. Meanwhile, Conservative leadership candidates drag their feet on net zero pledges.
“Boris Johnson’s legacy is one of rhetoric not matched by action when it comes to climate. Climate scientists are clear: the exceptional temperatures we are experiencing are related to climate change. We need Johnson’s successor to not only commit to net zero but also identify a clear pathway on how we get there.
“This must mean joined up government. We cannot have climate promises being delivered by one minister while another minister is giving permission for new coal, oil and gas developments or massive new road-building.
“And this week has shown that real and urgent action must be taken to plan how we adapt to the extreme weather that’s already built in - including how we protect vulnerable people and adapt services and infrastructure.
“We have all grown tired of the empty promises made by politicians that are not translated into real and urgent climate action. The ruling by the High Court reinforces that the government must set out in detail how it will achieve net zero.”
Notes
- https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/net-zero-heatwave-climate-change-b2125951.html
Ahead of the government announcement on this year's pay deal for 2.5 million public sector workers, including teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers, and members of the armed forces [1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay commented:
“They worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, helping to keep society functioning and people cared for. Now they need to be supported through this cost of living crisis. A pay offer that falls well short of the rate of inflation will be a slap in the face for our highly valued public sector workers. We need to see a pay rise in line with inflation for all public sector workers, fully paid for by the Treasury. That is the right and fair thing to do.
“The Green Party would fund public sector pay rises by taxing wealthy people which would also help balance consumption across the economy and keep inflation under control.. In the economy more broadly, supporting ordinary people must be the priority, so we also believe there should be cuts to dividends for shareholders before forcing workers to take a real terms pay cut.”
Notes
1. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-62206733
Green councillors across England are backing a Local Government Association (LGA) call for the reinstatement of remote hybrid council meetings [1]. They say emergency regulations during the Covid lockdowns that gave councillors the choice of attending in person or remotely via the Internet should become a permanent feature. Green MP Caroline Lucas last week tabled an Early Day Motion in parliament calling on the government to make democracy more accessible “by making permanent the express provision for hybrid council meetings [2].” The move away from hybrid meetings applies only to England; remote council meetings brought in during the pandemic continue to work effectively in Wales.
North Somerset Green councillor Dr Karin Haverson said:
“Greens believe the reinstatement of hybrid meetings is essential to the democratic process. Enforcing attendance at person only meetings restricts disabled people and people with caring responsibilities to fully and fairly participate. Research by the LGA revealed that following a return to forced in-person meetings 72 per cent of councils saw a drop in councillor attendance at statutory council meetings. We need to make it as easy as possible for people from all sorts of backgrounds and circumstances to become councillors and for those elected to represent their communities. That means the reinstatement of hybrid council meetings - permanently.”
Councillor Blossom Gottlieb, a disabled Green District councillor in East Hampshire, who worked with Caroline Lucas on the EDM, has been prevented from attending meetings due to the return of the in-person legislation. She said:
"It's alarming that since May 7 2021, councillors who need it haven't had access to remote meetings. This is ableist legislation by the government's own definition [3] and also means councillors are travelling for meetings that could otherwise be held online, which is often the greenest option. I'm disappointed that so much of my time as a councillor has been spent battling against discrimination. This is just one symptom of our failing governmental system."
Green MP Caroline Lucas said:
“Democracy is precious - it belongs to us all. Disabled people, carers, single parents, and all others must have open, easy access to the democratic processes. I’m pleased to have worked with Cllr Blossom Gottlieb on this EDM calling for accessible council meetings - and I urge everyone to ask their MP to sign.”
Notes
- LGA calls for urgent legislation for remote council meetings - LGA
- Accessible council meetings - Early Day Motion
- https://www.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments-for-disabled-workers
- Inaction during heatwave is latest example of Conservative government ignoring climate crisis
As millions of people prepare for exceptionally high temperatures over the next two days, the Green Party has warned that the government’s inaction could lead to people’s deaths during the heatwave [1].
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:
“This Conservative’s government inaction in the face of the climate emergency is costing lives both here in the UK and abroad.
“For too long successive governments have had their head in the sand when it comes to the climate crisis. Boris Johnson may have talked up climate action before COP26, but over 12 years of this government the pace of change has been far too slow.
“While the UK government announced carbon emissions reduction targets by 2035, it has since actually incentivised more oil and gas production in the North Sea [2] and the Climate Change Committee has said its current policies will not achieve net zero [3].
“Not only have they done nowhere enough to bring down the carbon emissions that are causing this extreme weather but now, when confronted with potentially deadly heat, they offer next to nothing to support people through it. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson couldn’t even be bothered to turn up to a Cobra meeting on the situation. [4]
“We need politicians that recognise the impact the climate emergency is having on all of us, right here right now, and aren't afraid of taking the decisions that will help us mitigate against the devastating consequences of this crisis.
“The Conservatives should be focused on supporting vulnerable people through the heatwave while taking urgent action to reduce the impact of future extreme weather. They are showing an extreme dereliction of duty, and that is why we need a general election."
Notes
1
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jul/15/heat-emergency-declared-in-england-as-temperature-expected-to-hit-40c
2
https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/20168713.chancellor-rishi-sunak-doubles-tax-relief-oil-gas-firms/
3
https://www.theccc.org.uk/2022/06/29/current-programmes-will-not-deliver-net-zero/
4
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jul/16/johnson-skips-emergency-cobra-meeting-as-experts-warn-thousands-may-die-in-uk-heatwave