Gwent Green Party (along with other groups) staged a protest outside of a planning consultation held at Llanwern Village Hall on Thursday 6th October outline their opposition to the building of a new waste incinerator near Llanwern Village.

Wales Green Party Deputy Leader Pippa Bartolotti said: “There were a lot of glum faces coming out of the hall that couldn’t believe this was happening around here.”

A further demonstration will be held st a Prosiect Gwrydd drop-in session at Magor Square on October 22nd from 10am to 4pm. To find out more about Wales Green Party’s opposition to the Newport incinerator please visit greenwales.org or click on the links below.

May 2011
http://www.greenwales.org/2011/05/stop-newport-incinerator-campaign.html

Semptember 2011
http://www.greenwales.org/2011/09/newport-incinerator-update.html

September 2011
http://www.greenwales.org/2011/09/stop-newport-incinerator-campaign.html

So, what don't we like about incinerators? Firstly the misleading title of the project: Project Green - or Prosiect Gwyrdd is lauded as energy from waste. This is the worst type of GREENWASH as it constantly misleads people into thinking something is good for the environment when in fact it is extremely harmful.

Incineration in Wales will cost the taxpayer £1.1 billion. This money would be better spent finding ways to avoid waste. More energy can be saved by recycling than can ever be recovered by burning. Incinerators are a health risk to all Newport residents. They release harmful toxic chemicals which will increase health disorders such as respiratory and heart problems, eczema, asthma and studies have shown that baby deaths are dramatically increased. Toxic emissions also threaten farm animals, crops and key wildlife sites and the bottom ash will itself need recycling before going to landfill. Flue ash is even more toxic and has to be buried for many years before being pronounced safe.

As if that were not enough the burning of recyclable materials will negate the gains we have made by recycling and will depress both home composting and municipal composting. We need to take action now and persuade the Welsh Assembly and our Newport councillors to make a safe decision for our communities by rethinking the entire waste strategy and moving to more acceptable (and cheaper) methods of dealing with waste. You can join the campaign here by ringing 01633 822922 or emailing Pippa at pippa@gwentgreenparty.org.uk.

Pippa was taking part in the ‘flytilla' protest against Greece's blockading of a fleet of aid ships, preventing the supplies from reaching the deeply troubled people of Gaza.

Jake Griffiths, Leader of Wales Green Party commented:

"We're immensely proud of Pippa for highlighting the terrible plight of people in the West Bank and Gaza, which continues to be occupied in violation of international law after several decades. She was part of an aid convoy last year which succeeded in breaking the blockade to deliver desperately needed supplies that are normally banned from entering Gaza.

"From what we know Pippa was detained upon arriving in Tel Aviv on her way to Bethlehem to take part in a week of peaceful activities in protest against the continued blockade of Gaza. There does not appear to be any grounds for her being detained, as travelling to the West Bank is meant to be permitted for British citizens.

"She should be allowed to complete her journey to the West Bank to take part in the peaceful events planned. Despite this, we understand she is likely to be returned to the UK this week. Reports from Israel are unclear at the moment, but we hope she is being treated well. Israeli authorities should realise that the world remain appalled by the conditions people are forced to put up with in the occupied territories, and people like Pippa will continue to highlight their plight."

As the economy fails to pick up and people become increasingly worried about their livelihoods, it is hugely important that we have real debates and introduce constructive ideas about how their situation can be turned around.

This will not happen by fighting over details or misleading voters with the kind of small changes that fail to tackle fundamental problems. Instead what we need is the introduction of long-term, sustainable and people-oriented policies.

Green Party is now the only party to offer an ambitious, fully planned alternative and to unswervingly focus on policy. We are dedicated to coherent issue based politics and bigger-picture thinking.

These are the kind of ideas we think should be being debated across Wales:

How can we reduce the deficit?

Greens argue that cuts will cause unemployment, increase the number of people drawing benefits, reduce tax income and reduce spending. All of which will keep us on a downward spiral and increase public debt.

Strange as it may sound, if we want to reduce the deficit we need to invest into the economy now to create the jobs that will kick-start the economy again.

Who should pay for the crisis?

The financial crisis was caused by greed and the deregulation of the financial sector. But instead of forcing those who profited most from this, the government has been making the public pay.

Greens argue that instead of cutting public services, we should introduce a tax on financial transactions, cut down on tax avoidance and ask the wealthiest people and firms in society to contribute more.

How can we reduce our reliance on oil and make the transition to a sustainable economy?

We argue the case for a prosperous life, lived within the limits of our planet. The financial crisis gives us the perfect opportunity to invest in the transition to a green economy and wean us off our reliance on oil.

This means taxing the most polluting industries, aviation and investing in Green jobs in renewables, recycling, public transport, insulation, conservation and waste management. With the right policies, we estimate 50,000 jobs could be created in the low carbon economy in Wales.

How can we make the Welsh economy stronger?

Greens oppose the flawed logic of attracting inward investment at the expense of local economies, and of pretending that markets alone can fairly distribute wealth.

We think that money put aside for attracting multinationals should be targeted towards helping Welsh businesses to start up and grow. This would include localising the food chain by assisting small farms, farmers' markets, farm box schemes and locally owned co-ops. It would also mean maintaining convenient local facilities, such as post offices, banks, and shops and pushing for the creation of 50,000 new green jobs.

Wales Green today launched its Assembly Election Manifesto, as Greens are on course to win their first seats in the Welsh Assembly.

The manifesto, titled “2nd vote Green”, focuses on the need to defend vital public services and invest in low carbon jobs, presenting a credible alternative to large scale cuts.

Jake Griffiths, Wales Green Party Leader and Lead South Wales Central Candidate said: “We’re asking people to give their 2nd vote to the Greens to defend public services and build the low carbon economy. Greens in the Assembly will work to limit the damage of the Westminster imposed cuts and argue for the alternative, stimulus investment in new jobs in the low carbon economy. We unequivocally support the idea of quality public services and a welfare state that is there when people need it. ”

“The Assembly needs to be given greater financial powers to raise additional revenue for this investment to counteract the damage caused and jobs lost by the public spending reductions. Investing in a green stimulus will create thousands of new jobs and tackle climate change at the same time.”

This week the party also launched its direct appeal to Labour supporters, pointing out that in 4 of 5 regions, Labour has never elected regional AMs.

“In South Wales Central, where I am standing, 70,000 2nd votes for Labour were wasted in 2007 as they failed to elect an AM. If just a small proportional of these votes switch to the Greens we will have AMs that will stand up against the Conservative-Lib Dem attacks on our welfare state.”

“Labour's call for people to vote Labour twice is more likely to elect the Tories, Lib Dems or another right wing party rather than a progressive party such as the Greens, who are committed to protecting public services and building the low carbon economy.”

The Party has launched a new website, www.2ndvotegreen.org.uk hosting a video that explains the voting system and why Labour 2nd votes are mostly wasted. The video was made by former London Mayoral candidate Sian Berry.

The party’s key policy aims include:

• Tackling fuel poverty with a free insulation programme
• Localising the economy and supporting public transport to tackle reliance on increasingly expensive and damaging fossil fuels
• Invest in renewable energy, rather than nuclear, as part of a target to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% per year.
• Work to ensure that money allocated for schools is actually passed on by local authorities, increasing the proportion from the current 75% to 90%.
• Refocusing business support on Welsh companies, which provide lasting high quality jobs, rather than footloose multinationals.

Chris Were said, “There was not only a good turnout, but many informative points raised by the speakers and the floor, raising awareness about the referendum and the issues facing both AMs and Welsh people, which would be different under a Welsh Assembly with legislative powers. The pub quiz went very well, with the winning team donating their prize money to the Monmouthshire Says Yes Campaign.”

A public meeting is being held at 7pm on 21st February at the Three Salmons Lodge in USK, where speakers from both Yes for Wales and True Wales will be conducting a debate on the issues surrounding the referendum on March 3rd. All are welcome.

I am also concerned that the Government does not seem to appreciate the many other services that forests provide to humans and to the wider environment in general, including their role in flood prevention and health benefits from leisure activities.  

The Government has rushed to calm down opposition to the sell off, by offering ‘consultation.’

The Government also seems intent on selling off nature reserves and 25 leading conservation organisations have already condemned this policy. There are even suggestions that the Government is trying to ‘dump’ nature reserves on these groups without funding.

I believe that protecting and improving forests, including realising the potential of fast growing tree species for energy and creating low-impact tourism schemes, will need Government support. I oppose selling off forests and nature reserves and call upon everyone who values their local environment to write to their MP condemning these Coalition policies.

Chris Were

I feel strongly that the Post office management have not fully considered the economic and environmental implications of what appears to be a paper exercise based more upon the need to show that cuts are being made rather than on actual and factual cost savings. Indeed it appears that given the ramifications of staff having to travel 100,000 extra miles per year, the likely event of an increase in new housing stock, the possibility of a move by Monmouth County Council into the area and most importantly the future needs of the Post Office’s biggest local customer, BAE Systems, who have not been consulted on the matter, that the proposed relocation may in fact lead to cost increases.

To date the Post office management have not offered their costings for such a decision for scrutiny. As in so many cases of this kind those who are most affected – the customers and the workers – have not been fully consulted.

I am informed that the sorting office in Usk is unmanaged. By that one assumes that the workforce is self managed – thus cutting out a costly layer of personnel. The health and safety record of this ‘unmanaged’ site is far superior to the health and safely record of the ‘managed’ site in Pontypool, rendering the idea that management improves the situation to the outmoded dustbin of history. It is the layers of management which cost the money.

When assessing the worth of a commercial business a figure is always included for the value of ‘goodwill’. From the many comments made at the public meeting on November 4th there was a clear case of excellent customer relations and service, built up over many years. I very much doubt that this factor has been part of the costings put forward in the closure scenario.

The Post Office has wisely signed up to the 10:10 agreement, committing the entire organization to reducing carbon emissions by 10% by the end of this year. I hardly think that adding at least 100,000 annual miles to the journeys of the workforce will contribute to this undertaking. Furthermore, with the projected increase in fuel costs as the era of easy oil leaves us, let alone the extra wear and tear on vehicles and associated costs, I believe that the decision to close Usk flies in the face of acknowledged need for carbon reduction.

Localistion is the way forward, not centralization. The closure of Usk sorting office does not appear to be a future proof scenario and I hope you will be able to put forward the case for reconsideration of this strategy as a matter of urgency.

Yours sincerely,
Pippa Bartolotti

“I feel strongly that the Post office management have not fully considered the economic and environmental implications of what appears to be a paper exercise based more upon the need to show that cuts are being made rather than on actual and factual cost savings. Indeed it appears that given the ramifications of staff having to travel 100,000 extra miles per year, the likely event of an increase in new housing stock, the possibility of a move by Monmouth County Council into the area and, most importantly, the future needs of the Post Office’s biggest local customer, BAE Systems, who have not been consulted on the matter, that the proposed relocation may in fact lead to cost increases.”

“To date the Post office management have not offered their costings for such a decision for scrutiny. As in so many cases of this kind those who are most affected – the customers and the workers – have not been fully consulted.”

“I am informed that the sorting office in Usk is unmanaged. By that one assumes that the workforce is self managed – thus cutting out a costly layer of personnel. The health and safety record of this ‘unmanaged’ site is far superior to the health and safely record of the ‘managed’ site in Pontypool, rendering the idea that management improves the situation to the outmoded dustbin of history. It is the layers of management which cost the money.”

“When assessing the worth of a commercial business a figure is always included for the value of ‘goodwill’. From the many comments made at the public meeting on November 4th there was a clear case of excellent customer relations and service, built up over many years. I very much doubt that this factor has been part of the costings put forward in the closure scenario.”

“The Post Office has wisely signed up to the 10:10 agreement, committing the entire organization to reducing carbon emissions by 10% by the end of this year. I hardly think that adding at least 100,000 annual miles to the journeys of the workforce will contribute to this undertaking. Furthermore, with the projected increase in fuel costs as the era of easy oil leaves us, let alone the extra wear and tear on vehicles and associated costs, I believe that the decision to close Usk flies in the face of acknowledged need for carbon reduction.”

“Localisation is the way forward, not centralization. The closure of Usk sorting office does not appear to be a future proof scenario and, based on the strength of feeling of Usk residents, I hope the Post Office will rethink this decision.”

Christopher Were will be standing as lead Green Party candidate in South Wales East. He said:

“The Green Party is the party with the ideas and the passion to guide Wales through these tough economic times. I am pleased to be standing for the Assembly with a Party that will really look out for the interests of Wales. I have already been out talking to people about the issues that matter to them and I'm looking forward to being able to work on their behalf if elected.”

Brought up in Monmouth, Chris went on to graduate from De Montford University in International Relations and Politics in 2009, after studying at Monmouth Comprehensive School. He has recently returned from a year campaigning in the Norwich elections with Deputy Leader Adrian Ramsay.

Amongst the other Green Party candidates are Pippa Bartolotti, Owen Clarke, Alyson Ayland and Alan Williams.

From left - Neil Crumpton, Pippa Bartolotti, Rossini Bartolotti-Hayward, Kalina Mikula, Wejdy Aesa, Helen Aesa

Leaving London on September 18th 2010, it’s going to be a long hard drive overland from London through France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Syria, then sailing to Egypt to take the aid in through the Rafah crossing to Gaza. The journey is estimated to take about 23 days and Pippa leaves Wales in the early morning of 17th September 2010.

Generous donations have been steadily arriving from the people of Wales, from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Cor Cochion, from The Green Party, Plaid Cymru and from the many kind people who have been working tirelessly to fundraise and collect donations of high quality equipment to take to Gaza.

Pippa will be joining a genuinely international convoy which will not only have people from Wales, Britain and Northern Ireland but representatives from Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Italy and Turkey will be joining in along the way. Convoys will also be coming from Jordan and the Gulf states, from Morocco and Algeria and they all plan to converge at the Rafah crossing in the middle of October.

Said Pippa Bartolotti, ‘The people of South Wales have been magnificent. I started with a long list of requirements for a dental hospital which was damaged in the last round of bombings . It contains the most basic of equipment, nothing fancy, just scissors, tweezers – that type of thing. We are taking what they need, rather than what we think they need. If we can get past the blockade I’m am quite sure that the doctors and dentists who will be using the equipment we bring will be shocked at just how many of us have not forgotten their impossible situation. As well as equipment, we are taking the love and kind thoughts of many good people in Wales.”

Pippa will be hoping to update her blog from time to time, and the journey can be followed here at www.pippabartolotti.blogspot.com

Notes

Viva Palestina 5 - a global lifeline to Gaza, is a large land convoy leaving London on Saturday, 18th September in conjunction with convoys leaving from Casablanca and Doha and timed to coordinate with a larger and even more international flotilla aiming to reach Gaza by sea at the same time as the land convoys reach by land.

Important institutions are now calling for the end to the siege of Gaza - the European Union, the United Nations, and major charities such as Oxfam.

The 4th convoy was seaborne and was marred by the killing of nine civilians on the Mavi Mara by Israeli troops.

The press is welcome to attend the launch from Central London on the morning of 18th September, time and venue to be confirmed.

Over 1.5 million people live in the Gaza strip which is just 36 kilometres (22.5 miles) long and 8 kilometres (5 miles) wide.

''The new government has wasted no time in targeting the most vulnerable people - watch out if you or your family have fallen on hard times - if you are unemployed, a pensioner or work for the public sector. The list of those under threat is a long one but surprise, surprise does not include the big city bankers or the top earners in society with Britain remaining one of the most unequal societies in Europe. Cameron had the gall during the last election campaign to say we should cut corporation tax for ‘wealth creators' - the wealthy few, suggesting the other 90% of the country - the likes of you and me! - contribute nothing to society!"

He also questioned the legitimacy of the current government and criticised the Lib Dem's complete inability to mount a coherent opposition to the cuts.

''The Conservatives only received 36% of the vote and had no overall majority so how do they now find themselves in Government? Where has their mandate come from?"

''And where have the Liberal Democrats been in opposing David Cameron's proposals to slash housing benefits and the right not to be evicted from your own Council home on a whim? Clegg, Cable and Lib Dem members of the Government have turned their back on ordinary members and the people who voted for them to get their bums on cabinet seats.''

Finally, he implored voters to give their second vote to the Greens in the Welsh Assembly elections next May. Just 7% of the vote under the proportional system would be enough to elect Wales' first Green Assembly Member, only slightly higher than the 6.4% achieved at the 2009 European elections;

''In most parts of Wales, since Labour wins most constituencies the voting system means they cannot win any additional seats, and that the vote is waste. To defend public services and to tackle the threat of climate change, give your second vote to the Greens next May...''

The spring conference of the Green Party of England and Wales will be coming to Cardiff next February.

Please click here to read the speech in full.

ENDS

For more information contact Jake Griffiths 077 5275 4537 cantongreens@hotmail.com

OR Sam Coates 075 9000 8249 sam.coates@walesgreenparty.org.uk