He is joined by his son, Tim Hodgson, who was a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Shirley South from May 2007-2011, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council's Liberal Democrat Group for over two years and a Cabinet Member from 2010-11. He was also the Liberal Democrat candidate for Shirley South in the May 2012 local elections.

The defection of Cllr Andy Hodgson takes the number of Green Party Councillors in Solihull to six, which has grown from having just one seat little over a year ago.

Councillor Andy Hodgson said, "I have often been a lone voice in standing up for Shirley within the Liberal Democrat Group. They are not providing the strong and effective opposition the people of Solihull deserve. In contrast, I have been impressed by the vigour and leadership shown by the Green Group in holding the out-of-touch Conservative Council to account.

He added "I am also deeply unhappy at the way the Coalition Government with the Conservatives is progressing. I did not become a Liberal Democrat to see tuition fees trebled, further privatisation of the NHS and the green agenda neglected."

Tim Hodgson said "I have been a Liberal Democrat for 10 years, but I have increasingly been at odds with the national party on key issues like tuition fees, NHS privatisation and the abolition of the 50p rate of income tax. I can no longer defend what amounts to support for a Conservative agenda of sweeping cuts and economic policies which are failing to provide the jobs people need.

He added "I have always cared deeply about the environment and social justice, key Green priorities, and I have also been impressed by the bold and principled stance the Greens are taking against this Con-Dem Government."

Newly elected Councillor, Chris Williams (Green, Chelmsley Wood ward) said: "Andy and Tim have been some of the most impressive Councillors in Solihull and we welcome them wholeheartedly. Former Lib Dem voters have already switched to the Green Party in droves so it's only natural that three Lib Dem or former Lib Dem Councillors have switched to the Green Party in Solihull in the past 12 months".

Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP and Leader said, "With the West Midlands Greens riding high after their fantastic result in the local elections, I am delighted to be able to welcome Andy and Tim Hodgson to the party. Many people who voted for Nick Clegg's party thinking that they represented an alternative to the Westminster mainstream now feel deeply let down by Lib Dem complicity in the Coalition Government's job-destroying policies. With Greens up and down the country working hard to defend communities against the Government's plans and offering a positive vision of a greener and fairer future, people are increasingly recognising that the Greens are now the credible alternative."

Councillor Howard Allen switched from the Lib Dems to the Green Party in Solihull precisely one year ago, 16 May 2011, and was re-elected as a Green Party Councillor on 3rd May 2012:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-13417417

James said, "I joined the Liberal Democrats in 1993, and was happy to represent what I thought was a party of fairness, opportunity and commitment to public service, but the actions of the Coalition Government left me with no option but to leave. The national Liberal Democrat party have supported the introduction of policies which I think are destructive and corrosive to our society, and which will reduce access to services for those most in need while enriching those at the top of society. I am really pleased to be able to join up with the Green Party, a party under whose banner I will continue to fight for the environment, and a progressive and just society. Since 2011 I have sat as an Independent member on both local councils; I will see out my term on West Sussex County Council as an Independent and fight to retain the seat as a Green Party candidate in 2013."

Worthing Green Party co-ordinator David Aherne said, "James is a fantastic addition to our local team and we are thrilled to have someone of his ability and experience on board."

James Doyle's website

http://www.jamesdoyle.org.uk/

Guardian comment is free, 15 May 2012 

In September, I will reach the end of my second term as the first national leader of the Green party of England and Wales - and I've decided not to seek re-election for another two-year term.

When I first joined the party back in 1986, it was a core article of faith for many members that we should not have a conventional leader in the traditional mould. It's true that formal leadership carries risks.

Presenting one image as the "face" of a party can attract some people, but put off others. At a deeper level, if leadership is about concentrating power in the hands of a single person or an inner circle, it is damaging to the cause and can lead to poor decision-making.

But leadership is also a powerful tool that can draw people in and inspire them. Trying to sell abstract ideas to the public rarely works. People want to see the human face of an organisation, to help them understand what it is there for and to judge if they trust it.

So when the decision was finally made in 2007 to establish the roles of leader and deputy leader of the Green party, it wasn't about sacrificing a principle to gain some votes.

It was about changing the way we worked to help communicate our passion and principles in a more effective way. It is an example of how we found the right balance between principles and pragmatism, and how the party had become more self-confident.

It was always my view that leadership, for the Greens, did not have to be about seizing power and holding on to it at all costs. Leaders must have confidence in their abilities as well as their cause. But to ensure that every individual in the movement feels a personal responsibility, they should also be eager to share out the responsibilities of leadership with others, from shaping policy to maintaining morale.

In other Green parties around the world, leaders have often been the first to recognise that the time has come for others to take up that responsibility; a healthy contrast to seeing traditional politicians clawing at their desks in a vain attempt to hang on to power.

I am hugely honoured to have served my party in this role, and proud that during the four years of my term, we've moved Green politics forward to a higher level, with the party by far the most influential it has ever been.

We have seen significant breakthroughs, not only in Brighton & Hove, winning our first seat at Westminster and our first ever local council, but also nationally, with further breakthroughs on to new councils in the recent local elections, as well as establishing ourselves as the third party, ahead of the Liberal Democrats, in the elections for London mayor and the London Assembly.

Green politics has shifted from the margins to the mainstream of British political life. As the party grows, buoyed by a new generation of activists and underpinned by the achievements of our outstanding elected members, now is the time to make space for other talented Greens to come through and take us even further forward. For me, this decision is about staying true to green principles.

We're lucky to have a wealth of capability and experience in our ranks, and taking a strategic approach to leadership is a natural step in maturing as a party and nurturing future electoral aspirations. I'm confident that the next leader, whoever they may be, will be able to build on our momentum.

Now I look forward to channelling even more of my energy into representing the people of Brighton Pavilion, speaking out in parliament on behalf of my constituents and doing all I can to defend them against the coalition government's disastrous economic policies. I will continue to be a lead advocate for the party, and will hold the government to account on its environmental and social responsibilities.

The Greens have a clear vision of how we must now move away from our broken economic system - which for too long has kept us dangerously dependent on the bankers' gambles, toxic debt and on the plundering of natural resources - and towards a fairer, more sustainable economy.

People are increasingly recognising that we are a credible alternative to the three main Westminster parties, and as communities up and down the country feel the consequences of savage yet self-defeating austerity - paying the price for a crisis they did not create - that Green alternative has never been more necessary.

ENDS

Caroline Lucas said: "I'm hugely honoured to have served as the first Leader of the Green Party and I'm proud that during the four years of my term, we've moved Green politics forward to a higher level, with the Party by far the most influential it has ever been. We've seen significant breakthroughs in winning our first seat at Westminster and gaining our first ever local council in Brighton and Hove. These were followed by further breakthroughs onto new Councils in the recent local elections, which were among the most successful we've ever had, as well as establishing ourselves as the third party, ahead of the LibDems, in the elections for London Mayor.

"I look forward to continuing to do all I can in my very demanding role as the MP for Brighton Pavilion, representing my constituents and defending them against the Coalition Government's disastrous economic policies and its refusal to accept its environmental and social responsibilities. I will also be able to dedicate even more of my work to the political frontline, putting the Green case for change in Parliament and in all circles of national political debate."

Cllr Darren Johnson, London Assembly Member, said: "Caroline has made a huge impact in her time as Green Party Leader and has helped shift Green politics from the margins to the mainstream of British political life. She will be an extremely hard act to follow but this is an ideal time to allow new talent to come forward."

Jenny Jones, London Assembly Member and recent Green Mayoral Candidate said:
"The Green Party has made some massive breakthroughs in the past two years, since having Caroline as our Leader, in Parliament, in Brighton and most recently in London, where we are now the third party behind the Conservatives and Labour. Caroline's decision not to seek re-election at this point is entirely in keeping with Green principles: it's a strong move, allowing other talented people to come through and to take the Green Party even further forward. She has set a superb example of how to lead. Whoever is elected in her place has a tough act to follow."

Nominations for leadership candidates are now open within the Party and will close towards the end of June. The new Leader (or Co-leaders) will take up the two year post in early September. No nominations have yet been received.

Caroline Lucas added: "We're lucky to have a wealth of capability and experience in our Party. Now feels like the right time to step aside, to allow more of that ability to come forward and help the party to grow. I offer my very best wishes to the next Leader, whoever they may be."

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The roles of Leader and Deputy Leader were established by the Green Party in 2008 to provide a public face and a strong voice for Green politics and policies. Both roles have a term of two years and Caroline Lucas MP, the Party's first Leader, will have served for two consecutive terms.

Jenny Jones welcomes cross party agreement on Mayoral scrutiny

Jenny Jones has been elected as joint Deputy Chair of the Police and Crime Committee and Deputy Chair of the Health and Environment Committee.

Jenny Jones said:

"The Assembly is elected by Londoners to hold the Mayor to account and the most effective way of doing that is by including all party groups in operational arrangements while also ensuring the Mayor is fully held to account with the non-mayoral parties taking the lead.

I will be working with my colleagues to ensure that the Mayor's drive for jobs and growth creates a more equal London, that he changes his approach to make fares and rents more affordable, and that he finally takes drastic action to reduce air pollution and so improve the health of Londoners. I will be scrutinising his promises on policing to ensure that trust is restored and we get value for money.

Council Leader Bill Randall and Albion Chief Executive Martin Perry celebrate after planning permission was approved to build extra seats at the Amex stadium last month.

Bill Randall said, "Working with The Albion to help the club with its expansion plans was one of the most important actions of my year as Leader of the Council.

"The benefits the club brings to the city are many, among them 1,000 full and part-time jobs during the recession.

"What's more, more than 90 per cent of those working at the stadium have a BN post code and many of them are younger people.

"Another 200 jobs will be created by the stadium expansion.

"The club also works closely with City College to provide on the job training in one of its restaurants for catering students, and Albion in the Community works with a host of communities in the city, in the South East and Africa, India and Kosovo.

"Through its ‘Want to Work' programme it works with 80 organisations to offer experience, training and advice for those in search of work.

"It is also a partner with the Council, City College and others in the recently opened City Skills and Job Shop in the old Albion shop in Queen's Road.

"Then there's also the small matter of football. The club enjoyed a terrific first season in the new stadium and brought a smile to the face of the city.

"We all look forward to even greater success next season."

Caroline Lucas MP, who is speaking at a union rally in Brighton at midday, said: "As Vice-President of the Public and Commercial Services group in Parliament, I completely support today's strike action.

"This Government's drive to slash jobs, slash pay, and now slash pensions as well is both socially devastating and economically illiterate.

"The best way to tackle the deficit is to invest in jobs, not to destroy them - and the fairest way to do it is to make those responsible for the financial crisis pay the highest price.

"It cannot be right to demand that ordinary workers up and down the country pay more, work longer, and get less in their pensions.

"The cynical changes to indexation from RPI to CPI inflation means pensions fall by up to 20%.

"Equally worrying, this indexation change will also apply to a number of important benefits, including Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.

"That's why it's so important that civil servants, lecturers and other public sector workers come together today to defend each other, demand real negotiation with Government, and to demand no more cuts."

ENDS

Queen's Speech: 'Deafening Silence' Over Climate Crisis

 - Green MP slams absence of leadership to address climate change and manage transition to a green economy

- Welcomes Water White Paper but calls for more powers to hold water companies to account

 The Government has squandered a vital opportunity to put action to tackle climate change and the growing environmental crisis at the top of its legislative agenda, said the UK's single Green MP today.

 Responding to the Queen's Speech to Parliament this morning, Caroline Lucas MP said:

 "Listening to the Queen's Speech today, you'd be forgiven for assuming that the climate crisis has simply gone away.

 "In the face of mounting scientific concern about the urgency of the threat we face from climate change, the deafening silence from this Government is unforgiveable.

 "Not only is this a tragedy for the environment, it's also a tragic missed opportunity for our stagnating economy - and the hundreds of thousands of jobs in new green industries which would be created if Ministers got their priorities right.

 "Instead of strong leadership on the green economy, all that seems to be on offer today is a Green Investment Bank that still can't borrow, and a deeply flawed Electricity Market Reform Bill which, without radical amendment, risks locking us into a high carbon, high cost, and gas dependent future."

Responding to the announcement of plans to reform the water industry in England and Wales, the Green MP said:

 "As we face the worst drought in a quarter of a century, the Government's long overdue proposals to reform the water industry are certainly welcome - but are full of holes.

 "Consumers are being warned that they must do all they can to save water, yet Ministers are failing to extend the same level of obligation to the water companies over their scandalous leakages.

 "That the entire water industry is predicted to reduce leaks by only a paltry 1.5% in the years up to 2015 raises serious questions about the efficacy of the regulator Ofwat - and about the commitment of this Government to really hold water company bosses to account.

 "Ofwat's powers must now be strengthened to ensure that water companies are using their billion-pound profits to make substantial improvements to the pipelines and reduce the huge water waste that is leaving us in short supply.

 "And as the impacts of climate change hit home and volatile weather patterns increase, the Government must urgently put in place a strategy to ensure a consistent water supply for the years ahead - or else water shortages will become a dangerous new norm."

 "Secret justice"

 Lucas also warned over proposals relating to the Justice and Security Bill set out in the speech.

 "The Government's plan for 'secret justice' is presented as being vital for national security when in fact their real concern is preventing national embarrassment", she said.

 "The result of these appalling proposals and the ongoing commitment to use secret evidence, as in the special immigration appeals commission, will be that serious Government wrongdoing is less likely to come to light.

 "We must not allow the use of secret evidence to contaminate our civil proceedings - it is a key principle of our justice system to be able to hear and challenge the case, or the evidence brought against you."

 ENDS

 Green MP Caroline Lucas (Brighton Pavilion) said:

"It simply beggars belief that, despite two rulings demanding the release of the NHS risk register, the Health Secretary is willing to defy the law to keep it secret. The refusal to come clean speaks volumes - the Government knows that its own assessment could be the nail in the coffin of the hugely flawed and unpopular Health and Social Care Bill.

"The Department of Health's apparent belief that it can rightfully ignore public opinion, the concerns of health professionals and now the Information Commissioner is symptomatic of the kind of staggering arrogance we have come to expect from this Government - not to mention a complete disregard for the democratic process."

Today's decision goes against the pledges David Cameron made in 2010 for "transparency"

"I think transparency can help us to re-build trust in our politics. One of the reasons people don't trust politicians is because they think we've always got something to hide. Well, by the time we've finished, there will be far fewer hiding places...

"In time, I want our government to be one of the most open and transparent in the world." David Cameron 2010

The Information Tribunal had ruled that the public interest in publishing the risk register was "very high, if not exceptional".

ENDS

Greens become top-three party in London as Jones polls third in Mayoral race

Green candidate Jenny Jones has come third in this year's London Mayoral elections.

The Green vote on the London Assembly was also the third highest, meaning the party has overtaken the Liberal Democrats to become London's third party.

The Greens also finished in the top three in five constituency elections.

Jones said: "This is a wonderful day for Green politics.

"The almost exclusive focus on the two frontrunners in the Mayoral election meant that any other result was very unlikely, but our resolutely positive campaign has stuck to the issues affecting Londoners and the policies to address them.

"I am over the moon that these messages have resonated. We've been able to dispel the myth that when times are tough, green politics are a luxury. More and more Londoners are realising that social and environmental justice are tied together inseparably, and with more Assembly members the Greens can help ensure that the Mayor is held to account on his promises and that City Hall can help create a city more equal, affordable, healthy, and safe for everyone.

"And we know that this campaign has attracted some wonderful bright, dedicated and loving young people to the party, who will pick up the torch and carry it forward in the interests of London's future."

Jones received 98,913 votes compared to 91,774 to Brian Paddick in fourth place.

On the Assembly, the Greens received 189,215 votes compared to the Liberal Democrats on 150,447.

The Greens came third in Barnet and Camden, City and East, Greenwich and Lewisham, North East and South West constituencies.

Ends

http://london.greenparty.org.uk/region/london/news/jenny-jones-takes-third-place-ahead-of-lib-dems-in-mayoral-elections.html

Click to view local election results spreadsheet

The Green Party is today celebrating some excellent results in parts of the UK including West Midlands and West Yorkshire.  All seats were held in Norwich with an increased vote in all.

REVISED FINAL SCORE

GAIN  8

HOLD  18

LOSS 4

NET +4

GAINS FROM:

Con   5

Lab   2

LD    1

Oth   0

 “This positive set of results for the Greens is a clear sign that our party is growing in confidence and steadily building support. We’ve made some superb gains in the West Midlands and Yorkshire, as well as holding firm in key battlegrounds such as Norwich, where the Greens remain the official Council opposition. I want to congratulate all of our candidates up and down the country on their hard work, great ideas and strong commitment in this elections campaign, and to thank all of those who voted for a greener, fairer future at the ballot box.” Caroline Lucas, Green Party Leader and MP.

All across Britain people felt that the gap between the rich and the poor was too scandalous to ignore and the drastic cuts to the benefit system coupled with the rising threat of NHS privitisation helped people to realise that this government is fundamentally uninterested in protecting the well-being of its citizens. 

People have grown tired of the lack of difference between the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats and have voted accordingly.  The Green Party's vision is of a fair society which values social justice as well as environmental well-being. We take their trust very seriously and will continue to work on councils across the country and nationally to promote Green Party policies and create a fairer society.

The Scottish Green Party also celebrate having 6 new councillors taking the total upto 14.

"This demonstrates that we are the third party and the only alternative to Labour and SNP." Patrick Harvie MSP

The Green Party of England & Wales has called yesterday's local elections a day of steady progress for Green politics as it made breakthroughs onto new councils and defended seats in strongholds against Labour.

At the time of writing (8.30AM) with results in from more than half of England's councils, the Green Party has made a net gain of four seats across the country, including holding all their seats in Norwich against a strong Labour challenge.

Greens gained seats in the West Midlands and the South in places such as Reading, Nuneaton, Worcester and Dudley.  The three seats in the West Midlands were taken from the Conservatives with big swings to the Greens.

Councillor Andrew Cooper, Chair Association of Green Councillors, said the results showed the party was gaining wider appeal and that where Greens have got elected and stand on their record, voters like what they get and re-elect them.

"This is a party coming of age, which is showing that when it gets stuck into local issues like housing, it can actually make gains and then hold on to them despite the swings of the big three parties."

More results are expected later today followed by the count for the London Mayor and Greater London Assembly with the result expected this evening.   Jenny Jones is the Green candidate for mayor.

The party contested 943 seats in 119 councils and was defending 22 seats they already held.

ends

Green Party Leader MP Caroline Lucas urges voters to vote Green

Green Leader Caroline Lucas MP today said: "I am urging voters up and down the country to vote Green today. A Green vote is one for fairness, for jobs and for the environment. Our councillors are at the forefront of opposing the Coalition's austerity cuts and calling instead for investment in the green economy, including affordable housing the green industries that will help us tackle problems like air pollution and climate change. Only a Green vote will guarantee an effective voice on these issues, as well as on local problems like protecting health services and green spaces."

 The Green Party are fielding their highest ever number of candidates (943) across England and Wales on May 3rd, a 13% increase on the last time the seats were fought.

We have a hosepipe ban thanks to climate change and the lack of an up to date planning and regulatory framework

The existence of a hose-pipe ban and official ‘drought status' during a period of such extreme rain highlights mismanagement by water companies and the need to urgently address climate change, the Green Party has said.
 
UK water companies lose a combined total of 3.3 billion litres every day because of leakages with little attempt made to fix the leakages despite the fact this could create thousands of jobs. (1)

 
Penny Kemp, Green Party Environment Spokesperson, said: "Climate change and an ever-growing population put bigger demands on our system every day, yet there has been no effective action on water loss since privatisation.
 
"Tackling leakages would help save water and provide jobs (and reduce utility bills) at a time of renewed recession.
 
"At times of shortage it's right that communities are helped to use water carefully through water bill and council tax rebates.
 
"However the onus must fall on the water companies to deal with leakages, give higher priority to water recycling and ensure that water utilities are brought unto the core of the planning regime, preventing new developments from placing more pressure on our finite water resources."

Notes to Editors:

1.       http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2012/03/drought_2012.html

Lollipop men and women join Caroline Lucas and Jenny Jones to warn Londoners away from polluted roads

Green Mayoral candidate highlights Boris' deception

Lollipop men and women joined Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas MP and Mayoral candidate Jenny Jones in Lewisham on Tuesday to highlight London's air pollution problem-and the Mayor's deceptive efforts to cover it up.

Over 4,000 people a year die prematurely in London because of poor air quality; and the campaign group Clean Air in London last week revealed that the capital had the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a toxic gas, of any capital city in Europe in 2010. Levels were comparable with those in Beijing.

Lollipop men and women ushered people away from the road, carrying lollipops with messages directed at Boris Johnson, reading ‘Stop polluting; ‘Stop poisoning', ‘Stop emitting', ‘Stop distorting', ‘Stop ignoring and Stop polluting'.

Jones said: "Air pollution is now the second biggest killer in the Capital and is rapidly emerging as the number one public health issue for Londoners.

"We simply cannot go on as we are. It is a scandal that the response of our current Conservative mayor has been to try and hide the problem rather than take steps to deal with its causes.

"By electing more Green Assembly Members, London can help ensure that this crucial issue is given the attention it needs by City Hall."

Lucas said: "During the campaign, Jenny has already changed politics for good.

"Her calls for greater transparency of politicians' pay and tax have rocked Westminster as well as City Hall, and London's political map has been redrawn by the prominent, consistent involvement of a strong Green voice.

"By voting for Jenny and more Green Assembly members, London can becoming a model for the world in addressing climate change and fighting inequality."

Green Assembly Members have been campaigning for realistic action to tackle air pollution for many years. The Campaign for Clean Air in London have said that the party has made "the most strident commitment to air quality" in its 2012 London Manifesto.

The Green Party have issued a 6-minute video on the air pollution problem, entitled ‘Air Pollution: A 21st Century Health Scandal', including interviews with Simon Birkett, Director of the Campaign for Clean Air in London, Dr David Green from the Environmental Research Group and Dr Frank Kelly, Professor of Environmental Heath, at King's College London and ordinary Londoners affected by air pollution.

You can find the video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1nta1DOfHM

The Greens manifesto includes an 8-point plan to tackle air pollution:

1. We will make sure that air pollution is monitored in the right places, and warn people about pollution episodes, particularly to vulnerable people such as children and the elderly as part of a campaign to improve the public's understanding of the problem.
2. We will require all schools, retirement homes and care homes to develop air quality action plans that lower pollution in their local area and protect children and residents during bad air episodes.
3. We will tighten up the Low Emission Zone standards and make sure they are properly enforced through vehicle checks, with a new ban on idling for parked vehicles. Introduce a Very Low Emission Zone in central London to exclude all but the cleanest vehicles.
4. We will retrofit all buses immediately if the technology is shown to work, and make sure that all new buses are low emission hybrid, hydrogen or electric models within one year of being elected, and that the entire fleet runs on this technology by 2016.
5. We will introduce a pay-as-you-drive scheme, to encourage people out of their cars, and provide the necessary investment in London's public transport infrastructure.
6. We will buy a fleet of low emission taxis for drivers to rent if they can't afford to buy one, and set-up a clean vehicle fund with low cost loans for small and medium sized businesses to replace dirty vehicles with electric equivalents, offering them a discount on pay-as- you-go driving charges so it is cost neutral.
7. We will work with the Government and Network Rail to reduce emissions from trains and planes. Push for the closure of City Airport, and convert it into the first Community Enterprise Zone. We will lobby to ban night flights over London.
8. We will ensure all planning applications are air quality neutral, and require new developments to reduce air pollution in the most heavily polluted areas.

Ends

For more information, contact Joe Williams on 07825511927, @earsopen or joe.williams@greenparty.org.uk.

Notes
1. Jenny's diary can be accessed at bit.ly/jennyjonesdiary
2. A Press Pack for the London Green Party's 2012 campaign can be found atbit.ly/greenpresspack

Cast your vote by rickshaw!

The West Oxfordshire branch of the Green Party is offering anyone living within a 1.5 miles
radius of the Market Square in Witney the opportunity to reach their polling booth on May 3rd by
pedicab.

The service will run from 9.30am until 3pm and can be booked online from the website of the
West Oxfordshire Green Party www.westoxongreens.org.uk. A preview of the rickshaw will be
available on Saturday 28th, by the Green Party stall in the Market Square, when short free rides
will be offered.

Stuart Macdonald, Green Party candidate for Witney North, comments: “The Green Party wants
to encourage more sustainable ways of transport that can also be fun to use. This initiative
reminds us all that there are many transport options available. The choice is ours. We can
turn congested urban areas into pleasant spaces focussed around people, rather than always
around cars.”

The rickshaw, or pedicab, is one of five operated in Oxford by Oxon Carts. The company is the
brainchild of a former Oxford University student and was founded in 2006.

ENDS
Notes for Editors:
For information on Oxon Carts please visit www.oxoncarts.com
The full candidates list and additional information on the West Oxfordshire Green Party is
available at : http://westoxongreens.org.uk

For information on this press release please contact

Maurizio Fantato - Press Secretary, West Oxon Green Party
tel: 07500 947 599 - email: maurizio@greenoxford.com

The report praises Jenny Jones's manifesto pledges, including measures to tackle congestion, air pollution and road safety through the road pricing scheme, which it says "would cut fares and traffic levels, helping create the shift to walking, cycling and public transport needed to keep the capital moving."

Jones is praised as understanding "the need to support policies that are win, win, win - environmentally, socially and economically."

The report can be found here.

An article in The Guardian on the report can be found here.

FRACKING REPORT TELLS US NOTHING ABOUT REAL RISKS BEHIND SHALE - GREEN MP

A report on fracking for shale gas commissioned by the Department for Energy and Climate Change has been published today, recommending that the drilling method be allowed to continue.

Green MP Caroline Lucas, who has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for a moratorium on the onshore and offshore exploration of shale gas (1), said:

"In focusing solely on the potential seismic effects of fracking, this report tells us nothing about the wider environmental impact of shale gas exploration - nor about the consequences of a new dash for gas on the future of renewable energy or on action to combat climate change.

"Growing evidence from the US suggests that there is serious cause for concern around water and air pollution caused by fracking.

"Legitimate questions are now being raised by communities here in the UK around the effects on the local environment and on water resources, which are already stretched to capacity in many places.

"People living near to fracking sites deserve real answers, especially since a Tyndall Centre report cast doubt on the adequacy of current UK regulation to prevent groundwater and surface water contamination."

http://youtu.be/HIQHcSBeqyM

 The Brighton Pavilion MP continued: "Even aside from the local concerns, it's clear that shale gas is a last gasp of the dinosaur fossil fuel industry at a time when we should be moving towards a truly green economy.

"The UK is the richest country in Europe in terms of renewable energy potential, but this new focus on gas threatens to displace investment in those renewables, making it even harder to achieve our renewable energy targets and grow this jobs rich sector.

"It's also clear that large scale extraction of shale gas poses a real risk to our climate change commitments. We have a very short time to reduce emissions to levels consistent with the science, yet a number of studies have shown that the overall climate impact of shale gas is probably as great as that from coal.

"If carbon capture and storage technology is not in place, burning just 20% of the gas which Cuadrilla claims to have found in its licence area in Lancashire would generate 15% of UK's total CO2 budget to 2050.

"And despite claims from gas lobbyists that shale gas will bring down energy bills, we know from Ofgem and DECC that recent energy bill rises resulted mainly from high gas prices, while analysis from Deutsche Bank and Poyry concludes that the impact of shale on bills would actually be low.

"I therefore urge the Department for Energy and Climate Change to recognise that today's report does not tell the whole story, and to seriously reconsider its policy on shale gas in the UK so that we can finally make the genuinely green transition that will deliver both energy security and a cleaner environment."

See Caroline debating Fracking on Newsnight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoFvtjQ0HAw 

ENDS

Notes

1) EDM 2292

That this house believes a moratorium should be placed on onshore and offshore exploration, development and production of Coal Bed Methane, Shale Oil and Shale Gas by withdrawing UK licences for hydraulic fracturing (fracking), at least until the publication of a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment into the practice; notes that hydraulic fracturing can cause the contamination of local water sources such as aquifers, which provide about 30% of the UK's water; further notes that amongst a variety of adverse environmental impacts, the process of fracking can cause serious well blowouts, which put both workers and local communities at risk; does not consider that the production of hard to reach fossil fuels is compatible with efforts to achieve the statutory UK carbon budgets; and, therefore, urges the Government to instead give greater support to the generation of energy from renewable sources.