NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE GREEN PARTY IN THE LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT

31 Dec 2014

Green New Year Message from Natalie Bennett - Vote for What You Believe In!

Hello, and happy new year.

As we polish off the last of the Christmas cake, and contemplate our resolutions on fitness regimes, now’s also a great time to look to the year ahead.

For politics, it promises to be an exciting one – a year with the possibility of real change.
We’re approaching a general election like no other – a five- or six-party election that promises to be the most unpredictable in generations.

We saw in 2014 what’s being called – and not just by us – a green surge: Green Party membership is now 120% higher, more than double, than it was just one year ago.

If you collect the numbers of members of my party, the Green Party of England and Wales, and those of the Northern Ireland Greens, then we’re above 38,000 – closing in fast on the numbers of Ukip and the Liberal Democrats.

And just before Christmas we reached another milestone: hitting 10% for the first time in a general election poll. One in 10 voters said they’d vote Green if there was a general election tomorrow. Not only that but we know, thanks to YouGov, that if they believe we can win, 26% of voters would choose us.

That represents a huge opportunity and challenge for the Green Party in 2015 – a chance to reshape British politics, towards a politics that acknowledges the joint economic, social and environmental crises that we face – the interlinked reality of our failed system of run-away capitalism fuelled by the Thatcherite ideology that greed is good, profit is all that matters, and the planet’s resources are infinite.

It’s time for a new approach. We want to build a new society - one in which everyone has certain access to the resources for a decent quality of life, in which no one fears hunger, or losing the roof over their head. And a society in which we collectively all live within the resources of the one planet that we have.

Making the bold changes to our economy and society that requires – introducing a living wage for all workers, decent benefits for all who need them, every home being warm, comfortable and affordable-to-heat, the profit motive having no place in our NHS, our railways run for the benefit of passengers not shareholders, no university tuition fees – calls for committed, courageous action.

And that’s something only the Green Party is offering.

The “traditional” parties have taken us too far in the wrong directions for tinkering with our system to be enough.

But it’s not just our economic priorities that need changing. Politics has to change – and that is the other great possibility of 2015: constitutional reform, a reform that will make other changes so much easier.

First-past-the-post Westminster elections are clearly past their sell-by date - indeed all of Westminster, the unelected House of Lords, the special privileges of the financial sector. It’s 100 years since the last significant reform when women’s struggle to gain the vote finally succeeded. It’s too late for minor changes, which is why the Green Party is calling for a people’s constitutional convention, starting from scratch to draw-up a constitutional settlement fit for the 21st-century written for the public by the public.

With our politics, our economics, our society, our environment in its current state, one thing is clear. The status quo is not an option: we are in a profoundly unstable condition – with our financial sector debt at 1,700% of annual GDP, with 22% of workers on less than a living wage, with our seas a plastic soup and our global wildlife numbers halved.

But this year, the possibility of change is in the hands of voters. The Scots showed us the possibilities in the referendum vote – 97% of eligible people registered to vote, 85% voting, strangers at bus stops talking politics.

We can create a peaceful revolution in 2015. If the same proportion of under-25s vote as the over 60s, if voters chose to vote for the person, party or policies they most believe in, then this can be a transformatory election.

So that’s my ask of you, as a voter in 2015: please make sure you’re registered to vote, please DO vote – and for vote for what you believe in, for the kind of Britain you want to see.

15 Dec 2014

Satirical carols outside Brent Civic Centre

Alan Wheatley

1:31 PM (2 hours ago)
to Dave, Martin, me, Robin, k8belgrave
Hi, Dave [London Green Party campaigns officer]

I believe you will be interested in this.

Meanwhile I report that I was one of the Kilburn Unemployed Workers Group members singing satirical carols outside Brent Civic Centre this morning, in parallel with follow up negotiations that had been scheduled to occur inside as follow up to an anti-eviction action inside.

When coming out of the building, Robin Sivapalan of Unite the Union Community Section reported on how the Housing Dept had just handled the case of a couple with baby who were sleeping in the park with nowhere else to go, and that Brent Council Leader had just agreed to holding a housing commission in LB Brent.

And it seemed that Brent Council officials behave differently toward 'service users' when there are witnesses than how they behave without witnesses.

10 Dec 2014

Christmas on Queens Parade

Dear Members & Friends, 

We would like you to join us this Friday for Christmas on Queens Parade. We will be launching our annual BAR Art Fair alongside other activities and events along Queens Parade. You can find more details on the event page:https://www.facebook.com/events/611816398928608/?ref=22



8 Dec 2014

Greens support firefighters' strike for fair pensions

Shahrar Ali, Green Party depuy leader and Brent Central candidate on FBU picket line at Willesden

Firefighters in England will be on 24 hour strike tomorrow from 9am LINK against an 'unfair, unaffordable and unworkable' pension scheme.

The Green Party Trade Union Group have issued the following statement of support:
  The Green Party Trade Union Group sends support to those FBU members who will be striking on Tuesday next. We know that firefighters are dedicated to ensuring public safety and saving lives, so they will not be taking this step lightly. It is absurd, but regrettably not surprising, that the government cannot reach or even approach a settlement to the pensions dispute with the FBU in England whilst settlements and negotiations which the FBU finds more acceptable can proceed elsewhere in the UK.
This is another sad example of the inept and dangerous handling of vital public services by the current government. We hope the firefighters will be able to win the just settlement that they deserve

23 Nov 2014

The Green Party Trade Union Group sends its support to NHS workers from all the unions who will be on strike tomorrow, (24/11/2014).


 The Green Party Trade Union Group sends its support to NHS workers from all the unions who will be on strike tomorrow, (24/11/2014). The severe pay freezes imposed by the government are unjust and part of the unjust neo-liberal policies punish the poor, the sick,  the vulnerable and also those who provide health care.

As if that were not enough, NHS workers are sometimes doing their utmost to keep an adequate health service running inspite of misguided marketization and cut backs.

We all need the work that these workers do and they need a decent wage!

22 Nov 2014

London Federation of Green Parties speakers' meeting 20/11/2014: Health devolution, Animal testing, Land Value Tax

London Federation of Green Parties speakers' meeting 20/11/2014: Hugh Small: "How Devolution Solved a Victorian Public Health Crisis" London Federation of Green Parties speakers' meeting 20/11/2014: Caroline Allen: 'The Scientific Case Against Animal Testing' London Federation of Green Parties speakers' meeting 20/11/2014: Dave Wetzel: 'Land Value Tax' London Federation of Green Parties speakers' meeting 20/11/2014: Questions and discussion

20 Nov 2014

The next Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group meeting

The next Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group meeting will be from 12.00 - 3.00 on 6th december 2014 in Committee Room 4 at Camden Town Hall (Judd Street entrance), Euston Road, London.





19 Nov 2014

Air pollution - EU court judgment on the application of ClientEarth v The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Dear all,

You may be interested in court ruling today about air pollution, here is
the press release issued this morning on the subject, entire text copied
below. Here is the link to Jean's website:
http://www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk/2014/11/19/air-pollution-ecj-clientearth-defra/


Thank you,
-Claire

----------------------------------


 Press release 19.11.2014

For immediate Release

*Air pollution - EU court judgment on the application of ClientEarth v The
Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs*

This morning (November 19), the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered
its judgment [1] in a case brought by Client Earth [2] against the UK
government over its continued and persistent failure to reduce air
pollution. Around 4 300 [2] early deaths occur each year in London that are
attributed to air quality related illness – more than deaths attributed to
alcoholism or obesity.

Jean Lambert, London Green MEP said:

‘If the government cannot make sure that the air we breathe is clean and
safe, the courts must do something – this decision means that people can
bring actions, and rightly so. Here in London, overall one of the most
polluted places in Britain, the Euston Road is already four times over the
legal limit for nitrogen dioxide levels. This is due to two factors,
Mayoral inaction from Boris Johnson and unacceptably high nitrogen dioxide
levels, I’d like to see both go.’

This ruling is significant because it is the ECJ’s first ruling on the
effect of the Air Quality Directive, and will determine what action the UK
courts take against the government. It will also set a precedent in
respects of EU law which could clear the path for a series of legal
challenges across Europe where governments are not protecting people from
air pollution.

The case will return to the UK Supreme Court for a final ruling next year,
when judges will apply the ECJ’s ruling to the facts in the UK case. This
means that it is possible for the UK Supreme Court to order the government
to instigate new plans to meet limits faster.



ENDS

 Notes To Editors

[1]
http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2014-11/cp140153en.pdf

[2] http://www.clientearth.org/

[3]
https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/environment/ultra-low-emission-zone/user_uploads/ulez-supplementary-information---final-291014.pdf-1



--


Claire Norman

Media and PR Officer to Jean Lambert, MEP

Green Member of the European Parliament for London

Can Mezzanine

49-51 East Road

London

N1 6AH



Office: 020 7250 8417

Mobile: 07917 881 648



Email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk

Website: http://www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
<http://www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk/>

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GreenJeanMEP

Twitter: @GreenJeanMEP <http://twitter.com/GreenJeanMEP>

10 Nov 2014

told them so, but that's no consolation if I need to go to a&e

evening standard on impact of a&e closures in w.london

Peter Murry
5:37 PM (1 minute ago)


told them!
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/waiting-times-at-ae-at-west-london-hospitals-hit-a-record-after-closures-9850531.html

6 Nov 2014

gptu statement on Unite NHS strike 24 November 2014; Please circulate

Unite the Union have announced that
“NHS workers have had their wages cut by up to 15 per cent since 2010 thanks to the government's draconian pay policy of pay freezes and minuscule below inflation pay rise”.
 The Green Party Trade Union Group believes that this is characteristic of  a nation where neo-liberal economics has run riot, penalising the poor, the sick,  the vulnerable and also those who provide their health care.
Unlike Cameron’s cronies, nobody who works in the NHS expects to become a billionaire, but NHS workers will be striking again for decent pay on November 24thThe Green Party Trade Union Group sends it support, we all need the work that these workers do and they need a decent wage!

5 Nov 2014

Unite members working in the NHS will step up their fight for fair NHS pay with a further four-hour strike on Monday 24 November.

NHSpay web banner 24Nov









Unite members working in the NHS will step up their fight for fair NHS pay with a further four-hour strike on Monday 24 November. 
Thousands of NHS workers took to picket lines at hospitals across England on the 13 October, behind a swell of public support, to protest against the government’s refusal to implement a tiny 1 per cent consolidated pay increase to all NHS staff. (check out the photo gallery below) 
YOU deserve a pay rise – we know it, the public know it. Take action on the 24th to make sure the government knows it too. 
Join a picket line on Monday 24 November between 7am-11am. Get your Unite flags and placards from your rep. Let’s show the government that it’s time to pay UP for NHS workers. 
NHS workers have had their wages cut by up to 15 per cent since 2010 thanks to the government's draconian pay policy of pay freezes and minuscule below inflation pay rises. 

You work hard taking care of others - now you need to take action.

  • Four hour strike action –  Monday 24 November 2014 from 07:00 -11:00 
  • Action short of a strike (work to rule), starting at midnight on Monday 24 November to 18 January 2015 

2 Nov 2014

Scott Bartle selected to fight Brent North for the Green Party

Scott Bartle
Brent Green Party today announced that Scott Barttle has been selected to fight the Brent North seat for the Green Party in the 2015 General Election.
 

Scott holds registration as a positive behaviour psychologist and works within the NHS. He lives in Mapesbury Ward Brent, where he stood as Green candidate in the 2014 local elections and gained 8% - one of the highest results for an individual Green Party candidate in the constituency.
Explaining his decision to stand Scott said:
As a Cornishman raised in one of the most deprived areas of the UK and Europe I am acutely aware of the human impact that poverty can have as detailed in the ‘horror’ statistics. It was no surprise that the regional areas of Britain were increasingly turning away from the three main parties as they have experienced neglect since Thatcher, perpetuated by Blair, and continued by the coalition.
It was also no surprise that in Brent, one of the most deprived areas of London, we have people turning away from the UK government and mistakenly thinking that their values are represented by elements in Syria. When people are alienated from the society they live in, there is only so far that they can be pushed. It’s been said that the apocalypse won’t come like lightning, but gradually like a fog. Mostly, successive governments have managed to avoid the ire of the public in perpetuating the agenda of their corporate donors but the fog is starting to become visible around us.

Whilst this fog may be pollution, as our government is being taken to court by the EU for London’s  poor air quality - we know only the Greens will protect our environment.

When Labour started the erosion of civil liberties and now the Tories pledge to repeal Human Rights legislation – we need the Greens to lead the resistance. 

When Labour sought to channel public money out of the NHS through Private Finance Initiatives that we are still paying now – we need a Green to look at the long term.

As studies reveal 50% of people receiving social care in Brent feel unsafe, we need to stop allowing private equity companies to funnel profits off-shore when they’re failing in their primary duty – Greens care.

When our foreign policy, rendered inconsistent by our colonial past is still causing conflict across the world and giving cause to recruit people from our own communities – we need a Green to challenge that.
When the economic policy of ‘austerity’ advocated by Conservatives and Lib-Dems is an irreconcilable failure and Labour pledge to continue it  - the fog envelopes us. 
Nobody actually wants all of this – it’s why it is vital we look for an alternative. 
As Parliamentary Candidate for Brent North I will seek to highlight that Greens can provide something for people to vote FOR, rather than against – a real choice.

Through saying YES to Human Rights, YES to a consistent foreign policy, YES to Economic Change, YES to Public Services, YES to Environmental Action, YES to Green Jobs we are saying YES to a sustainable future for people, nature and wildlife worldwide

1 Nov 2014

Shahrar Ali selected to fignt Brent Central for the Green Party

Shahrar Ali and his opponent Dawn Butler
Brent Green Party today announced announced the selection of Shahrar Ali to contest Brent Central in the 2015 General Election.

Shahrar Ali was recently elected make deputy leader of the Green Party of England and Wales.

Shahrar contested the seat in 2015 and stood in the London Assembly, European and local elections.

Speaking earlier today Shahrar Ali took on the neo-liberal parties and promised something radically different:

He said:

"The People of Brent have been let down time and time again. 

From the closure of libraries and A&E wards to the privatisation of schools and council services -- all the main parties are responsible. 

From the displacement of communities from social housing to the eviction of families due to the bedroom tax -- all main parties are responsible.

From the assault on civil liberties from arbitrary raids to the deplorable tactic of racist van slogans -- all main parties are responsible.

It is high time for change of the political order.  

I have a track record of fighting the people of Brent's corner year in year out.

More and more people are coming round to our way of thinking -- and doing -- for a long-term, sustainable way of living. Politics doesn't have to be looking after number one. It can be about the common good for all, including the species we share the planet with and what we leave behind for our children's children.

As MP for Brent Central, I will fight for everybody's right to a decent life - education, health and meaningful work - and an economy that doesn't shortchange the planet every time we buy more than we need.

The Green Party is on the rise. As recently as 2012 we were knocking on the LibDems door. With Sarah Teather out of the race, and the LibDems in meltdown here more than anywhere, we are the main challenger to Dawn Butler and Labour-sheen policies. Out with the old politics, in with the radical."

31 Oct 2014

Brent FoE says No to Fracking in Brent

Brent Friends of the Earth Press Statement

For Immediate release 31st October 2014

Brent FoE says No to Fracking in Brent

In response to London Local Energy's application for a licence to frack for shale gas in Park Royal, Brent, Ian Saville joint Co-ordinator of Brent Friends of the Earth (Brent FoE) says,

“We resolutely oppose fracking in Brent, or anywhere else, and urge Brent Council to turn down the application by London Local Energy to site a well head in Park Royal. Fracking is a dirty technology that may seriously damage our health, environment and is very likely to worsen climate change. Shale gas is a dirty fossil fuel that will add to the dangerous levels of greenhouse gases in the environment. It should be left in the ground.

Regulatory systems are not strong enough to protect against leaks of toxic chemicals used in the fracking process. This threatens our soil and water supplies. Fracking uses vast quantities of water - in the region of 4 million gallons per well head – which are lost to public supply.

We cannot count on fracking to reduce our fuel bills. Instead we need to invest in renewables and energy saving to heat our homes.”

Brent Friends of the Earth have been lobbying their MPs and parliamentary candidates about fracking in London.

Ends.

For more information contact:

Ian Saville, Joint Co-ordinator of Brent FoE 07949 164793

Notes to editors

  1. Local news item about Brent Council's response to the drilling application http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/fracking-north-west-london-anti-fracking-labour-8022410
  2. BBC news item about the licence http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29807091
  3. Brent FoE met with Glenda Jackson MP earlier this week to lobby her about fracking - http://brentfoe.com/content/fracking-lobbying-our-mps-and-new-threat-fracking-london
  4. Fracking is a dirty word. The Government is threatening to puncture our green and pleasant land with countless fracking wells in a headlong dash for gas, with little thought for local people. Shale gas is a dirty fossil fuel that contributes to climate change, and poses serious local environmental risks such as water contamination and shortages. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest it won’t lower fuel bills, and it risks taking much-needed investment away from renewables and energy saving. For more information visit www.foe.co.uk/fracking.
  5. Brent Friends of the Earth has a website www.brentfoe.com

30 Oct 2014

London Federation of Green Parties lectures 28/11/2014


Drs Mae-Wan Ho and Eva Sirinathsinghji, Institute of Science in Society: glyphosate herbicides and GMOs.
 
Alternative Energy and the Grid: Jurgen Huber
THE DISASTER OF HS2 - why are we here, can we get out? Stephen Plowden
London Federation of Green Parties lectures questions and discussion part1
London Federation of Green Parties lectures questions and discussion part2

29 Oct 2014

Humble Origins: An Exhibition of Art on Paper

Humble Origins: An Exhibition of Art on Paper
Thursday 30th October 2014 - Thursday 27th November 2014
12pm-6pm

PRIVATE VIEW Thursday 30th October 6pm-9pm

At BAR Gallery
4-5 Queens Parade, Walm Lane NW2 5HT


Exhibiting art that uses paper as its medium. Humble Origins looks at the diverse ways with which paper is still widely used for art. Despite the rise of digital and the move towards technologies in our everyday lives paper is still a fertile and cherished medium for artistic practice.

Expect to see a broad range of artwork including sculpture, drawing, installation, collage, pen & ink on paper, prints and more! All work is for sale and is affordably priced.
INCLUDING WORKS BY P.MURRY
a tripod of galactic witches
24(h)*28(w)
Mixed media
125
autobiography of a gargling opposum
38(h)*27(w)
collage
200


17 Oct 2014

Veg Growing Project


We've received a request from Elayne from Willesden Town Team:

I wonder if you would be interested in joining me to provide a project for the coming year about teaching young people between 8 and 14 about planting vegetables and herbs? I am undertaking a funding bid for ward working money (October next tranche of cash) to cover 3 areas: Poplars Ave (Sainsbury’s Willesden Green); the Post Office Willesden high Road; and Dollis Hill Tube Station. With 3 planters per location and 2 workshops (same children at each?)  

If you are interested please contact elayne.coakes@btinternet.com as soon as possible.

many thanks,

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transition Willesden
Making Willesden Green

7 Oct 2014

P MURRY seems to be having a sudden solo art show

P.MURRY ARTWORK at FOOD FOR THOUGHT October2014
Contact 07736525187/ email:  yrrumuk@googlemail.com/ http://quadraoptica.blogspot.co.uk/

P MURRY seems to be having a sudden solo art show ( thanks to Brent Artists' Resource), from now until the end of October at the FOOD FOR THOUGHT café which incudes

The eccentric ideas of an artichoke
Mixed media
£75
The sixth obsessional stance of Lionel Prism
Mixed media
£75
Unfossilised artichokes emit odes
Mixed media
£75
A renewed wave of opposition to artichokes
Mixed media
£75
The unknown redemption of Lionel Prism’s artichoke
£75
You never promised me an artichoke garden, why not?
£75
Always an artichoke but never an architrave or an archmandrite
£75
Artichoke, the skinwalker
£75
 EAT, C.ART F.ART
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
·       15 High Road
London NW10 2TE
Willesden
·       Get Directions
·       Transit informationJubileeWillesden Green More info
·       Phone number020 8451 5350
·       Business websitefood4thoughtlondon.co.uk




5 Oct 2014

Shahrar Ali slams Brent Council's racial discrimination appeal and internal investigation decision

Brent Green Party's Shahrar Ali slammed Brent Council's institutionalised denial of racism and repeated the party's call for an independent investigation into human resources and other matters at Brent Council in a letter to the Kilburn Times this week:

Please note that the Kilburn Times erroneously transposed quotes in the throd and fourth paragraphs. The correct version is:


One could be forgiven for concluding that the problem was institutionalised. In the words of the Judge, “No employer will admit to it [unlawful discrimination] and, indeed, discrimination is often operating at an unconscious level.” 


Shahrar Ali said 'One could be forgiven for concluding that the problem was institutionalised' - not Judge Henry.

30 Sept 2014

Is it time to set up a People’s Assembly in Brent?

The People's Assembly Against Austerity
Dear Peter,

Calling on all people living in Brent, please read this invite from some activists in Brent wanting to set up a local People's Assembly group. There'll be an initial meeting on:

Monday 6 October @ 6:30pm
Prince of Wales Pub,
101 Willesden Lane,
London NW6 7SD

Is it time to set up a People’s Assembly in Brent? 

The People’s Assembly against Austerity was launched last year to help organise nation-wide opposition to government austerity policies which are doing untold damage to working people and communities while allowing the super-rich to increase their wealth to unprecedented levels.
Since its launch, the Assembly has organised a 50,000 strong anti-austerity demonstration in London and has mobilised support for public sector workers’ pay demonstrations and for the Jarrow to London People’s March for the NHS. It is now mobilising for a huge turnout for the TUC’s Britain needs a pay rise demonstration in London on Saturday 18 October.

It has also established over 80 People’s Assemblies at town, borough and regional level around the country, and these have done a great deal to involve ordinary people in resisting cutbacks and other austerity-based attacks on their communities.

A number of People’s Assembly supporters in Brent now believe that it is time to consider establishing a People’s Assembly in our borough, and we are inviting a range of progressive thinkers and activists to a meeting to discuss the matter.

You are invited to this meeting, which will be held at 6.30pm on Monday 6 October at the Prince of Wales Pub, 101 Willesden Lane, London NW6 7SD (a short walk from the junction of Kilburn High Road and Willesden Lane).

We believe that there is an urgent need to step up resistance to attacks on living standards, workers’ rights, state benefits and on our local health, education and community support services. We believe that a People’s Assembly in Brent will help do that and we look forward to meeting you at the 6 October meeting and to hearing your views on what should be done.

Please contact us if you require further information about the People’s Assembly against Austerity or, alternatively, call the Assembly’s national office on 020 8525 6988 or look up the national website onwww.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk.
Hoping to see you all there,

Mary Adossides
                         Richard Lynch 
07719 383 322                            07889 028 281

The People's Assembly Against Austerity
http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/You received this email because we have you on our database as living in a Brent postcode. Please let us know if this is not correct
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22 Sept 2014

STOP COUNCILS USING TOXIC CHEMICALS