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Green Party calls for inquiry into death of schoolboy as ‘Hillsborough Law’ Bill reaches Parliament

28 March 2017

The Green Party has joined calls for an independent panel inquiry into the death of seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, who died in 2014 after his home in Surrey was flooded.

Zane’s family believes he was killed by hydrogen cyanide carried by floodwater from a nearby landfill site, despite the coroner ruling his death was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.

The family was denied legal aid and is now supporting the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, dubbed the ‘Hillsborough Law’ [1], which will be presented to parliament tomorrow, on March 29.

Caroline Lucas MP, Green Party co-leader, is co-sponsoring the bill.

Zane’s parents Kye Gbangbola and Nicole Lawler are requesting an independent panel of inquiry, as in the Hillsborough inquest, to review all documentation around Zane’s death. More than 30,000 people have signed a petition [2] to support their call.

Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, met Kye and Nicole earlier this month.

Bartley said:

“I was struck by Kye and Nicole’s determination and resilience in terrible circumstances. They’ve shown enormous courage to continue fighting for justice in the face of a huge bureaucratic machine and vested interests weighted against them.

“I fully support their call for an inquiry and tomorrow we’ll take an important step forward with this bill reaching parliament. It’s crucial there’s a level playing field for families seeking answers about their loved ones’ deaths.

“The implications of Zane’s death are enormous, not just for his family, but potentially for everyone who lives near a landfill site, particularly as many of these sites are unrecorded. The authorities involved in the investigation must be accountable so we can make sure the truth emerges and that a tragedy like this never happens again.”

Notes:

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/08/hillsborough-law-launched-to-ensure-officials-act-with-candour
  2. https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/call-for-a-public-debate-into-the-death-of-7-year-old-zane?bucket=+via+%4038_degrees
  3. More information about the campaigns are available at http://www.truthaboutzane.com/ and http://www.thehillsboroughlaw.com/.

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Keir Starmer responds to Tory calls for a ‘root and branch’ review of EU regulations

Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, responding to Tory calls for a ‘root and branch’ review of EU regulations, said:

“The report that Iain Duncan Smith cites describes basic employment rights as costly regulations.

“On the eve of triggering Article 50 it is increasingly clear that rights and protections are seen by many senior Tories, including in the Cabinet, as an “expensive” luxury that British workers and consumer consumers can do without.

“That is why one of Labour’s six tests for the Brexit deal is that it defends hard fought for rights and protections and doesn’t lead to a race to the bottom.

“The Prime Minister must stand up to the growing voices in her Party that see Brexit as a once in a generation opportunity to dismantle the rights and protections that underpin our economic model.”

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Greens ready to take fight for Manchester Gorton to Labour on May 4

28 March 2017

The Green Party has responded to news the Manchester Gorton by-election will be held on May 4 saying it is “ready to take on Labour”.

Jess Mayo, the Green candidate for Manchester Gorton, said:

“The Green campaign for Manchester Gorton has already started. We are the only party to take on Labour here and give voters a real alternative to the status quo. Whereever Greens are elected they make a difference, and we will fight hard to make sure Gorton is never overlooked for left behind.”

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, visited Gorton today (Tuesday 28 March) to join the campaign trail and visit Northmoor Community Centre, as well the constituency’s Curry Mile.

Bartley said:

“On May 4 Manchester Gorton could make history by electing a Green MP. It’s a privilege to visit this community and meet the people who call it home, and a Green MP would mean there is always someone fighting their corner and defending public services.

“We are ready to take on Labour for this seat.”

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Our Armed Forces & their families deserve the very best support, it’s time for the Government to treat them with the respect that they deserve – Nia Griffith

Nia Griffith MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body 2017 Report, said:

“This report highlights the serious effect that changes to pay and conditions are having on our Armed Forces. According to the report’s authors, rent rises and changes to tax and benefits have created a “perfect storm” that is putting real pressure on service personnel and their families. 

“We have known for some time that Conservative cuts to our Armed Forces have had a crippling effect on morale, but this report issues the stark warning that these pressures must be dealt with, otherwise there will be a widespread effect on recruitment and retention, which could in turn threaten operational effectiveness.

“It is clear from this report that personnel feel overlooked in favour of cost-cutting by the MoD. Our Armed Forces and their families deserve the very best support, it’s time for the Government to treat them with the respect that they deserve.”

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