<![CDATA[ The Green Party News RSS Feed ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news2.rss en Green Party 120 <![CDATA[ Greens react to government extremism definition ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/03/14/greens-react-to-government-extremism-definition/ 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.” 

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2024-03-14 13:34:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/03/14/greens-react-to-government-extremism-definition/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Greens respond to Frank Hester’s remarks on Diane Abbott ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/03/12/greens-respond-to-frank-hester’s-remarks-on-diane-abbot/ 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

1. Biggest Tory donor said looking at Diane Abbott makes you ‘want to hate all black women’ | The Guardian 

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2024-03-12 10:48:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/03/12/greens-respond-to-frank-hester’s-remarks-on-diane-abbot/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ People can see through pre-election Budget tax bribes ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/03/06/people-can-see-through-pre-election-budget-tax-bribes/

“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 

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2024-03-06 13:46:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/03/06/people-can-see-through-pre-election-budget-tax-bribes/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Five steps to a fairer, greener country   ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/03/03/five-steps-to-a-fairer,-greener-country/ * 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  

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2024-03-03 08:35:14 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/03/03/five-steps-to-a-fairer,-greener-country/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ State of Our Rivers Report: Green Party repeats call to take water companies into public ownership ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/27/state-of-our-rivers-report-green-party-repeats-call-to-take-water-companies-into-public-ownership/ 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  

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2024-02-27 11:58:45 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/27/state-of-our-rivers-report-green-party-repeats-call-to-take-water-companies-into-public-ownership/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Green Party reaction to Lee Anderson comments ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/26/green-party-reaction-to-lee-anderson-comments/  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)

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2024-02-26 15:01:45 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/26/green-party-reaction-to-lee-anderson-comments/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Electing more Green MPs into Westminster will help push next government to do the right thing for people and planet ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/26/electing-more-green-mps-into-westminster-will-help-push-next-government-to-do-the-right-thing-for-people-and-planet/ UK Green Party leaders, from R-L: Lorna Slater, Partick Harvie, Malachai O'Hara, Carla Denyer, Anthony Slaughter and Adrian Ramsay

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

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2024-02-26 14:50:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/26/electing-more-green-mps-into-westminster-will-help-push-next-government-to-do-the-right-thing-for-people-and-planet/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ On the second anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/24/on-the-second-anniversary-of-russia’s-war-on-ukraine/ On the second anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: 

“This second anniversary is a reminder of the high costs of war and the continuing need to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine, whose land has been invaded and homes attacked by the Putin regime. 

“The Russian invasion was entirely unjustified, and its troops must withdraw from all the land it has invaded and annexed. 

“The UK government should be doing much more to tighten sanctions on Russia. In just one week this month Russia exported 21 million barrels of crude oil and 1.45 million cubic metres of liquefied natural gas. [1] 

“Sales of these fossil fuels are helping the government raise the funds needed to produce the missiles and drones used to attack Ukrainian civilians. They must be stopped through an effective international sanctions regime. 

“Too many UK-headquartered companies are still doing business in Russia when they should long ago have cut all commercial ties with the Putin regime. The UK government should act and tell them to leave now. 

“The UN General Assembly has called 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. A just peace must also include the investigation and prosecution of war crimes. 

“We will continue to support the Ukrainian people’s right to enjoy peace, democracy and self-determination. The Green Party stands with Ukraine, applauds its resistance to invasion and aggression and recognises its right to exist as an independent, free country.” 

 

NOTES to EDITORS 

[1] Analysis is provided by Global Witness, a climate advocacy group. Global Witness is working in collaboration with the Russian Tanker Tracking Group, made up of representatives of the Ukrainian government, academics, technical experts and former politicians - https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/stop-russian-oil/  

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2024-02-24 00:30:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/24/on-the-second-anniversary-of-russia’s-war-on-ukraine/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Green Party respond to new government brownfield development consultation ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/13/green-party-respond-to-new-government-brownfield-development-consultation/ In response to government proposals announced today, where Councils would be required to approve new development on brownfield land even if it fails to meet standards for decent quality homes; be encouraged to repurpose former commercial buildings into flats; and remove restrictions on how big a building can be before a developer has to apply for planning permission [1], Green Party co-leader, Carla Denyer, said: 

“Greens believe that tackling the housing crisis while ensuring green spaces are protected requires local councils and government to sign up to a new Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter [2].  

“Brown field sites are definitely the right place to prioritise new or repurposed housing. However, they must be the right homes – decent homes built to the highest environmental standards to bring down energy bills. Developments must also provide the kind of housing where people actually want to live – then it will be supported by local communities. We must not allow developers to ride roughshod over local wishes. Windowless bedsits in converted office blocks that fail to meet decent space standards will not be considered the right homes for the vast majority of people. 

“Not once in the Government's new consultation on developing on brownfield sites is the word ‘affordable’ mentioned. Affordability is fundamentally important. This means a huge increase in new social housing, and ending the Tories ‘Right to Buy’ policy on these homes, which is causing a massive nationwide reduction in council housing [2]. Councils must also be given powers to introduce rent controls in areas where private rents are out of control, alongside a ban on no-fault evictions to stop unscrupulous landlords making tenants homeless just so they can increase rents between tenancies.”  

Notes: 

  1. Strengthening planning policy for brownfield development - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  2. Greens call for Right Homes, Right Place, Right Price Charter to beat housing crisis and protect green space | The Green Party
  3. https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/almost-60000-homes-sold-through-right-buy-will-not-be-replaced-2030
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2024-02-13 12:19:18 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/13/green-party-respond-to-new-government-brownfield-development-consultation/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Greens call for scaling up actions against Israel, accusing UK government of complicity in killing  ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/12/greens-call-for-scaling-up-actions-against-israel/ As Israel appears to be on the brink of an all out assault on Rafah, despite warnings against such action by the UN, Red Crescent and others, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer is demanding the UK scale up actions against the Israeli government until the killing stops. Greens are calling for an end to all arms sales to Israel, prosecutions of war criminals and targeted sanctions on Israel’s leaders. 

Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said: 

“It is clear that the Israeli government is refusing to heed warnings about the catastrophic implications of an all-out attack on Rafah. The UK government must now demand that Israel stop the killing, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Hamas must also agree to this ceasefire of course, and release all hostages.  

“Decisions made by the UK government - above all its failure, month after month, to call for an immediate ceasefire - have made them complicit in the killing of almost 28,000 people to date, 12,000 of whom are children [1]. 

“Israel relies on certain weapon parts manufactured in the UK, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter whose essential components are made here [2]. A Dutch court has today ordered the state to cease the export of F-35 spare parts to Israel. We call on the UK government to follow suit, and suspend all arms export licences to Israel until the killing stops. The UK must also cease all military collaboration with Israel, including allowing Israeli use of British bases and RAF intelligence flights over Gaza.

“Greens would also implement the requirements of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign across the UK economy. This would include excluding Israel from international sporting and music events; withdrawing all public money from funds with investments in Israel; and ending beneficial trade arrangements with Israel [3]. 

“It is clear that only outside pressure will make Israel stop its mass killing. We can increase the pressure on Israeli leaders by introducing targeted sanctions against key individuals. This would include travel bans and asset freezes on Israel's leadership and cabinet members, in particular those calling for new settlements in Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank. 

“Finally, we would encourage UK authorities including the Metropolitan Police and Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue perpetrators of war crimes committed where UK citizens are the victims or where UK citizens are potential perpetrators. 

“There are many steps the UK government could take to pressure Israel to stop the killing. Its refusal to do so means that they are implicitly condoning the appalling carnage in Gaza.” 

Notes

  1. Israel-Gaza war in maps and charts: Live tracker | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera 
  2. Who Arms Israel? (workersinpalestine.org)
  3. This is consistent with the Green Party’s non-violent approach to demonstrating its opposition to breaches of human rights and international law. It is parallel to calls we have made for boycotts of a number of different countries in the past including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, China, and Qatar.
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2024-02-12 16:03:19 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/12/greens-call-for-scaling-up-actions-against-israel/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Shahrar Ali case response  ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/09/shahrar-ali-case-response/ The Chair of the Green Party executive, Jon Nott, said:  

“We are pleased that the court has recognised that a democratic political party has the right to select those who speak for it on the basis that they can and will communicate and support party policy publicly.  

“We welcome the findings in the judgment that members of political parties have ‘fundamental party rights’ which include the right to disagree, to advocate for and against policies and positions adopted or proposed in the party, and to organise for those who agree with them and against those who do not, and that the Equality Act is not intended to interfere with those rights. 

"The party acknowledges that there were procedural shortfalls in how we deselected one of our spokespeople. We apologise for failing in this instance to live up to the standards that both we and the court expect.” 

NOTES TO EDITORS

You may wish to refer to this article written by lawyers in the case on the wider issues involved.

https://bateswells.co.uk/updates/discrimination-belief-and-the-fundamental-party-rights-the-judgment-in-ali-v-green-party-of-england-and-wales/

 

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2024-02-09 10:23:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/09/shahrar-ali-case-response/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Greens respond to new plans to clampdown further on protests ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/08/greens-respond-to-new-plans-to-clampdown-further-on-protests/ Responding to the Home Office's new plans to clampdown further on protests, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:
 
“This is another worrying step towards an authoritarian state, which too many in the government seem intent on creating.
 
"This government is reaching the stage where it views any disagreement with its plans as practically an offence in itself.
 
“The right to protest is an important freedom that helps protect us from tyranny. Without these rights, the UK risks ending up with even worse governments.
 
"The sweeping powers of this Bill risk turning legitimate protest into crime.
 
“We need to see MPs from all parties speak out against these plans."
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2024-02-08 00:15:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/08/greens-respond-to-new-plans-to-clampdown-further-on-protests/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Labour ditch £28 billion green investment plan - a massive backward step for climate and economy ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/07/labour-ditch-£28-billion-green-investment-plan-a-massive-backward-step-for-climate-and-economy/ Reacting to news that Labour is ditching its policy of spending £28bn a year on its green investment plan [1], Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, said:

“This is a massive backward step – for the climate, for the economy and for good quality jobs. Both the security of our planet for future generations and the UK’s future prosperity is dependent on greening our economy and that requires large scale investment.  

“Labour have chosen to wear their fiscal rules as a millstone around their neck. A different approach through tax reforms, in particular by introducing a wealth tax on the super-rich, could help pay for the green transition. There is more than enough money in the economy to pay for this. Indeed, the Green Party would go further and faster, investing at least double what Labour originally pledged, so we can turbo charge the transition to a green economy.  

“Greens recognise that investing in a green future will provide people with economic, social and environmental security. By decarbonising industry, insulating buildings, and ramping up renewable energy infrastructure, the UK can drastically reduce emissions, cut household bills and create new, good quality, well-paid and secure jobs in every corner of the country.   

“Investing in this secure future is a political choice. By ditching its green investment plan, and making a series of other U-turns, Labour has clearly signalled that it is turning its back on a fairer, greener future. It is clear we are going to need a group of Green MPs in parliament after the next election pushing whoever forms the next government to do the right thing.” 

Notes

 1. Labour ditches £28bn green investment pledge - BBC News

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2024-02-07 22:21:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/07/labour-ditch-£28-billion-green-investment-plan-a-massive-backward-step-for-climate-and-economy/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Greens dismiss dental recovery plan and call for full costs of dental treatment to be covered   ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/07/greens-dismiss-dental-recovery-plan-and-call-for-full-costs-of-dental-treatment-to-be-covered/ The co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay, has dismissed today’s announcement of a ‘dental recovery plan’ by the government saying it will ‘fail to fill the giant hole in NHS dentistry provision.’ Greens are calling for dentists to be paid the full costs of NHS dental treatment.  

Ramsay is standing as parliamentary candidate in Waveney Valley, the area recognised as the worst ‘dental desert’ in the country, with one in three people trying to get an NHS appointment not being able to [1]. He said: 

"In the Waveney Valley and across England and Wales, the Green Party is fighting back against the decay in NHS dentistry services.  

“The scenes of people in Bristol queuing up in desperation to secure an NHS appointment and having to be held back by police are truly shocking [2]. The British Dental Association also reports cases of 3-year-olds with dental sepsis, an epidemic of DIY dentistry and the return of scurvy [3]. This indicates just how broken our society is.   

“I speak to people all the time who are furious that successive governments have allowed this to happen. The rot set in with the universally despised dental contract – where independent providers are contracted to the NHS – introduced by the Labour government between 2006 and 2010. Then the Coalition government took power and made savage cuts to the amount spent on NHS dentistry. The budget has fallen by over a third – a real terms cut of £1bn [4]. This is unacceptable and unnecessary in what is one of the wealthiest countries in the world.  

“The dental recovery with its paltry £200 million offer will clearly fail to fill the giant hole in NHS dentistry provision. The underlying problem is that dentists are not being paid the full costs of NHS dental treatment. That’s why I am proud to back the Toothless in England campaign – that took root in Suffolk [5] – which aims to get contracts for NHS dentists that cover their costs.  

“Being able to see a dentist when you need one is a basic need for good physical and mental health – but sadly, it’s becoming a luxury often only available to those people who can pay to go private.  It doesn’t have to be that way.   

“The Green Party is calling for a new approach, starting with new contracts for NHS dentists that cover the costs of care. I am pushing hard for this now and will make this an urgent priority as an MP.” 

Notes 

  1. https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/2023/07/13/gp-patient-survey-dental-statistics-january-to-march-2023-england/
  2. Hundreds queue at new NHS dental practice in Bristol hoping for treatment | The Guardian
  3. Dentists tackling Victorian disease in 21st century Britain (bda.org)
  4. A billion in cuts (bda.org)
  5. Toothless in Suffolk takes campaign nationwide - BBC News
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2024-02-07 07:50:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/07/greens-dismiss-dental-recovery-plan-and-call-for-full-costs-of-dental-treatment-to-be-covered/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Reaction to Labour ditching national care service ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/05/reaction-to-labour-ditching-national-care-service/ Reacting to news that Labour will not seek to legislate on the creation of a new national care service in its first King’s Speech [1], Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said: 

“Labour are dropping policy commitments like confetti. Next in line it’s social care, with the Party planning to ditch a previous pledge to create a new national care service [2]. The Green Party remains committed to putting social care on a level footing with the NHS and ensuring social care is fully publicly funded [3].  

“The NHS is based on the principle that need, not wealth, should determine the health care we get. The Green Party backs the same principle for Social Care. Over a million people need help to eat and wash, get residential care when they need it and to lead a full life under their own control. They deserve to have their care paid for in the same way as the NHS.” 

Notes 

  1. Labour ditches radical reforms as it prepares ‘bombproof’ election manifesto | The Guardian
  2. Labour to aim to launch national care service inspired by creation of NHS | The Guardian
  3. Green Party pledges free social care for all adults | The Green Party
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2024-02-05 14:15:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/02/05/reaction-to-labour-ditching-national-care-service/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Government has blown pretence of climate leadership with ‘max out’ fossil fuels pledge say Greens ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/30/government-has-blown-pretence-of-climate-leadership-with-max-out-fossil-fuels-pledge-say-greens/ A report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has accused the UK government of giving ‘mixed messages’ at the COP28 climate summit held in Dubai in December [1].

The CCC said: “The international perception of the UK’s climate ambition suffered from mixed messages following announcements on new fossil fuel developments and the prime minister’s speech to soften some net zero policies. The committee urges a continued visible presence at future Cops and even greater domestic climate ambition to reinforce the UK’s international standing.”

Responding, co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said:

“Through its drive to ‘max out’ on North Sea fossil fuels, the UK government has blown any pretence of global leadership on tackling the climate crisis. Ministers have been forced into admitting that their energy security defence of the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill was nonsense because oil and gas corporations sell to the highest bidder on the open market.

“So at odds with the government’s target of reducing emissions is this dangerous Bill that it has led to the resignation of Chris Skidmore who chaired the government’s Net Zero Review.  

“We need to call time on all new licences for fossil fuel exploration, accelerate the move towards renewable energy and implement a large scale home insulation programme. That is how the UK can show climate leadership.”

Notes

1. COP28 outcomes must lead to acceleration of action in the UK - Climate Change Committee (theccc.org.uk)

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2024-01-30 12:30:10 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/30/government-has-blown-pretence-of-climate-leadership-with-max-out-fossil-fuels-pledge-say-greens/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Green Party reacts to International Court of Justice ruling ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/26/green-party-reacts-to-international-court-of-justice-ruling/ Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said the International Court of Justice interim ruling underscored the need for a renewed political initiative to secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and a long-term peace. 

Ramsay said: 

“The International Court of Justice is right to insist that Israel must ‘take all measures within its power’ to prevent all acts contravening the genocide convention, must ensure ‘with immediate effect’ that its forces do not commit any act of genocide, and immediately improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

“The court is also right to call for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages 

“It is the highest court of the United Nations, its decisions are binding, and if we are to have a rules-based international order, its findings must be respected and acted upon. 

“Now is the time for new peace initiatives to create the conditions for a lasting peace across the region.  

“Ultimately, it is for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples to agree the long-term solutions that will offer each security and peace, but the UK government can do much more now to encourage that process to begin.   

"The UK government must show it respects the international institutions that offer peaceful, legal and diplomatic avenues to end conflicts. 

“It should begin by unequivocally backing an immediate ceasefire that ends fighting by all sides, frees the hostages, lets in humanitarian aid and creates space for dialogue.” 

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2024-01-26 14:02:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/26/green-party-reacts-to-international-court-of-justice-ruling/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Poverty is a political choice: Carla Denyer reacts to Joseph Rowntree Foundation report  ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/23/poverty-is-a-political-choice-carla-denyer-reacts-to-joseph-rowntree-foundation-report/ Responding to this year’s poverty report from the Joeseph Rowntree Foundation, which says that it is now 20 years and six prime ministers since there was a sustained fall in poverty [1], co-leader of the Green Party, Carla Denyer, said: 

“This latest report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation makes for grim reading. Over one in five people in the UK were living in poverty in 2021/22. That’s almost 14 and a half million people, with over eight million working-age adults and over four million children.  

“For years, successive UK governments have allowed poverty to become entrenched and for inequality to widen. The super-rich have seen their incomes soar during a time of increased hardship for millions of people.  

“It doesn’t have to be this way. Poverty is a political choice. 

“There are things that can be done quickly to address the sickening levels of poverty in our society. For example, the Green Party would increase Universal Credit by £40 per week and abolish the two-child benefit cap. A wealth tax on the super-rich, along with tax reforms such as changes to Capital Gains Tax and abolishing “non dom status,” could pay for these and other measures to reduce poverty.  

“As Labour finalises its manifesto, there’s little indication that they will make the right political choices to help the millions enduring grinding poverty. Which is why we so desperately need a group of Green MPs in parliament after the next general election to put pressure on Labour to do the right thing.” 

Notes 

[1] Hardship deepens as millions find the poverty line further out of reach | Joseph Rowntree Foundation (jrf.org.uk) 

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2024-01-23 15:17:52 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/23/poverty-is-a-political-choice-carla-denyer-reacts-to-joseph-rowntree-foundation-report/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ NHS needs increased funding, not Labour's 'reform and efficiency' savings say Greens ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/23/nhs-needs-increased-funding,-not-labours-reform-and-efficiency-savings-say-greens/ Responding to comments by the shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting that the NHS needs reform and efficiency savings, not extra money [1], Carla Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party, said:

“Labour’s fiscal rules are clearly bad for your health. Blaming the Health Service’s ills on inefficiencies rather than on chronic underfunding is an insult to thousands of dedicated and hardworking staff who are underpaid and struggle because they are under-resourced.

“The Green Party would restore the public health budget by increasing spending by £1.4 billion and immediately increase NHS spending by £8 billion, to ensure NHS staff can be paid decently. Reforms to the tax system – including through changes to Capital Gains Tax, National Insurance and the abolition of “non dom status” – could raise the billions needed to properly invest in our health services.

“Successive governments have pointed the finger of blame at ‘inefficiencies.’ It’s regrettable to see Wes Streeting treading this well-worn path rather than pledging to increase funding for the NHS which is so desperately needed.”

Notes

  1. Wes Streeting says Labour has been too nostalgic about NHS as he argues for reform – UK politics live (theguardian.com)
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2024-01-23 12:55:21 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/23/nhs-needs-increased-funding,-not-labours-reform-and-efficiency-savings-say-greens/ The Green Party
<![CDATA[ Steel jobs cull underscores need for a just move to greening industry  ]]> https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/19/steel-jobs-cull-underscores-need-for-a-just-move-to-greening-industry/ The Green Party has called for a green industrial strategy offering a clear road map toward creating sustainable, green jobs following confirmation that Tata is slashing 2,800 jobs at its steelworks in Port Talbot. 

Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter said: 

"This is devastating news for the local community and beyond. Wales knows only too well what happens when communities are abandoned by government and industries. We saw it with the coal industry and now it is happening again with the steel industry. 

“Decarbonisation of industry is vital, but communities and people’s jobs must be protected. That means putting unions and workers at the heart of a just transition. 

“The government has provided Tata with £500 million toward the cost of future steel production. It has a responsibility to ensure that money is used to protect Port Talbot and the wider Wales economy. 

“Instead, it is allowing the company to ignore viable alternatives to these job losses put forward by the unions. That is unacceptable and must be resisted.” 

Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski, who recently visited Port Talbot with Anthony Slaughter, said: 

“The steel industry is a crucial part of the UK’s economy and has been the backbone of communities up and down the country for generations.  

“It is simply inexcusable that the government is willing to inflict real damage on this south Wales community, with a deal that will see thousands of jobs lost. This is not the fair transition to a greener future that people across the UK need or deserve. 

“What is happening in Port Talbot underscores the need for a green industrial strategy from government, led by trade unions and communities, that provides a clear road map toward creating the sustainable, green jobs of the future. 

“It is workers in these industries that have the skills and experience to help lead the industrial conversion. 

“Planned transition is possible. 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. [1] 

“However, we have a government that simply doesn’t care about the enormous and exciting possibilities for people that the green industrial revolution we are undergoing offers. It seems happy to see jobs and communities go to the wall rather than plan to protect Port Talbot, its people and the planet. 

"Neither the Conservatives nor Labour have faced up to the need to future-proof our economy and ensure we are able to transition to a greener, more sustainable future while protecting people and communities. 

“We know transitioning to a green economy could create up to a million jobs. If the government had invested in the transition over the last few decades, we could have avoided the potentially devastating consequences we are seeing in Port Talbot today.” 

ENDS 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

[1] Green Steel Is Coming. Europe Is Leading the Charge Thanks to New Carbon Taxes. - WSJ 

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2024-01-19 11:54:00 https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2024/01/19/steel-jobs-cull-underscores-need-for-a-just-move-to-greening-industry/ The Green Party