Tag Archives: Green Party

4 August 2017

Responding to the report from the GMB union [1] which shows average commuter times have increased, especially for those in insecure work, Co-Leader of the Green Party Jonathan Bartley said:

“The Government needs to wake up to the realities of the modern world.  Commuter chaos resulting from the chronic failure of successive Governments to make the right transport choices is costing us all dear, whether it be robbing us of time with our friends and families, or diminishing productivity in the workplace.  

“The facts are clear.  The cost of motoring has steadily fallen in real terms for over 30 years while the cost of public transport has risen [2].  It is time that over dependency on congested and polluted roads ended, and investment in decent public transport was made a priority.  

“The way we think about work also needs to change. It’s time to move towards more flexible working practices that benefit everyone including moving toward a shorter working week. A healthy economy is one in which everyone sees the benefits of good jobs – not just in terms of decent pay and secure jobs, but also in working practices which will give us the decent quality of life we all deserve.”

Notes

[1] https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2017/08/03/union-reports-commuter-hell-due-to-longer-journey-times-by-roa/ 

[2] http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2015-02-10/223954/ 

Tweet

Back to main news page

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

28 July 2017

Responding to the news that a further 82 tower blocks have failed fire safety tests [1], the Green Party candidate for Kensington in 2017 Jennifer Nadel said:

“We are calling on the Department for Local Government to make public the names and locations of all the tower blocks that have failed the latest safety tests. Just imagine for one moment living in a tower block right now but not being told if your home has been deemed unsafe. It’s a recipe not only for stress and anxiety but also for yet more danger as people could be sat in flats that are simply not safe to live in. It is both patronizing and traumatizing to be told we know whether you’re safe or not but we’re not going to tell you.This whole tragic story has been a case of ignored information and lack of communication from those in authority – lessons must be learned and we need to start doing things differently.”

Notes

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/633671/DCLGtest1_BS_8414_Part_1_test_report_v2.2.pdf 

Tweet

Back to main news page

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

26 July 2017

The Green Party has responded to the Supreme Court ruling in favour of Unison following the union’s legal challenge over employment tribunal fees [1].

Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, said:

“Employment tribunal fees block workers from accessing justice.  The Government must scrap them in light of the Supreme Court’s judgement. This ruling is a victory for access to justice and common sense – workers’ rights are not worth the paper they are printed on if they cannot be enforced. Basic rights should not be the preserve of those who can afford to pay huge fees, and by bringing this case to court Unison have ensured all workers facing exploitation can bring a case against their employer.”

Notes:

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40727400

Tweet

Back to main news page

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

26 July 2017

Caroline Lucas, co-leader of the Green Party, has hailed a ‘step forward’ on air pollution as the Government announce a ban on dieself from 2040, but said their plan ‘doesn’t go nearly far enough’. 

Lucas is calling for ministers to invest in public transport, expand clean air zones and fund a diesel scrappage schem. 

Caroline Lucas said:

“This is a step forward from the Government – and follows years of campaigning on the issue from the Green Party and others.  We know that the fumes from cars and lorries are ending thousands of lives prematurely each year, and it’s good to see the Government making this move which will protect people’s health and boost a key industry of the future. Though a ban by 2040 is a welcome, it doesn’t go nearly far enough or fast enough. We also need action that tackles this health emergency in the coming months and years. Such action must include expanded clean air zones and a fully funded diesel scrappage scheme.

“It’s crucial that scrapping diesel doesn’t simply shift people into other types of car – instead we should use this opportunity to revamp out towns and cities with investment in walking and cycling, and by ensuring that public transport is affordable and reliable.”

Tweet

Back to main news page

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

24 July 2017

Caroline Lucas, the co-leader of the Green Party, has responded to the Government’s announcement on battery storage. 

Business secretary Greg Clark unveiled a £246 million investment in battery technology, and promised a more flexible grid for the future. 

Caroline Lucas said: 

“Today’s announcement from the Government is a positive step forward, but highlights the deep inconsistencies in their approach to the environment and the creation of an economy for for the future. With green job creation stalling, and fewer jobs in the sector being created this year than any year since 2012, it’s good to see investment in battery technology finally coming through. However the fact is that such actions could be rendered meaningless if the Government continues to subsidise fossil fuels, promote fracking and divert resources towards costly nuclear. Indeed this investment in battery technology really is a drop in the ocean when compared to the eye-watering cost of new nuclear, or the yearly handouts given to fossil fuels firms. 
 
“With a fifth of jobs in solar having been lost in recent years, and an effective ban on onshore wind – it’s clear that the Conservatives have a long way to go in proving their environmental credentials.  In the last few days we’ve seen the Government display some signs of a shift of attitude towards climate change and protecting our environment – that is welcome. It’s now down to ministers to show that they have the resolve to swiftly shift our economy’s gear, and ensure it’s fit for the future.”

Tweet

Back to main news page

Let’s block ads! (Why?)