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| Greens plan to build on their success in Stepney Ward | ||||||||
| No new airports! | ||||||||
| Greens support Stop Climate Chaos campaign | ||||||||
| Greens pleased with conference response | ||||||||
| New councillor at Climate Change stall | ||||||||
| Concern at breakdown in local NHS dental care | ||||||||
| Public Meeting - "Energy Beyond Oil" | ||||||||
| MPs asked to support sustainable energy | ||||||||
| Greens at Climate March | ||||||||
| Blair risking catastrophe | ||||||||
| Sustainable features suggested for building | ||||||||
| Different response to fuel crisis needed | ||||||||
| Party Conference to be in Scarborough | ||||||||
| Make Poverty History | ||||||||
| Welcome for French 'Non' | ||||||||
| Greens join call for Proportional Representation | ||||||||
| Climate change stall | ||||||||
| Greens support safety campaign | ||||||||
| Welcome for WI environment motion | ||||||||
| Greens slam Labour over Brown's war admission | ||||||||
| Plane hypocrisy | ||||||||
| Stall highlights climate change | ||||||||
| Leafleting lunch | ||||||||
| National role for local candidate | ||||||||
| Record number of local Green Party candidates | ||||||||
| Plastic bags sent back to shops | ||||||||
| Green support for animal fund-raiser | ||||||||
| Green candidate chosen for Stepney ward by-election | ||||||||
| Greens welcome renewable energy targets | ||||||||
| Greens slam anti-terror laws | ||||||||
| Greens welcome blue recycling bins | ||||||||
| Support for Credit Unions | ||||||||
| New report on climate change warns of catastrophe | ||||||||
Greens plan to build on their success in Stepney Ward | ||||||||
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1st March 2007 Greens plan to build on their success in Stepney Ward. Scarborough Green party today announced that they will be building on their success in Stepney Ward by giving voters the opportunity to elect two Green Councillors in the forthcoming election on May 3rd. Standing with Scarborough’s first Green councillor Jonathan Dixon will be Dilys Cluer who has been active in the local Green Party since first standing as a candidate in 1989. As well as being involved in Green Party activities, Ms. Cluer (59) attends the council’s Cycle Forum and has taken an active interest in the Urban Renaissance process since its inception. A part-time tutor, and member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), her interests include health, housing, education, languages, choral singing, reading and gardening. She lives in Stepney ward with her husband and one of her two adult sons. Councillor Jonathan Dixon said: “I am delighted Dilys will be my running mate in this crucial election; it will give the people of Stepney a great opportunity to elect two Green Councillors and enable us to exert even more influence on the council’s policies to make Scarborough a greener borough.” Councillor Dixon (40) made history in last year’s by-election by being elected Scarborough’s first Green Councillor. He grew up in the town and has been an active member of the party since 1989. He was a member of the Green Party’s national executive for three years and is the party’s national advisor on taxation and benefits policy, drafting its policies for fairer pensions which are now backed by national campaign groups. Since being elected he has had a busy year with monthly surgeries for residents and has been involved with the council's recycling committees as well as chairing a council group which is aiming to ensure the council’s catering operations adopt a fair trade policy.” Published and promoted by Jason Mullen for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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No new airports! | ||||||||
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22nd September 2005 No New Airports, say Greens Fuel tax needed now to curb emissions The Green Party today renewed its demand for a tax on aviation fuel, in response to the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research report stating that ignoring aviation had led to a "serious underestimation" of the effort needed to meet Kyoto carbon emissions reduction targets.(1) Scarborough Green Party Press Officer Dilys Cluer commented: "For any real defence against the growing ravages of climate change we must have state measures to enforce policies that will limit our daily increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Flight levels are not going to spontaneously begin to fall - in fact, we know they are going to continue to rise. "But New Labour has failed dismally to utilise the power of government to protect us from further global warming. Greenhouse gas emissions have actually risen since 1997, making Blair's claim to have climate change at the heart of his agenda risible. "Locally, too, we need new policies. Those who advocate a new airport near to Scarborough should face the real world and the different, better future which we must start building now. "Aviation fuel must be taxed, both domestically and internationally. The government must enforce greater energy efficiency measures. This report clearly demonstrates the urgent need for action now if we are to have any hope of meeting the UK's commitments under the Kyoto agreement." ENDS Notes for Editors: (1) http://www.e-collaboration.co.uk/tyndall/media/press_releases/tyndallpr21sep Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Greens support Stop Climate Chaos campaign | ||||||||
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6th September 2005 The Green Party has voiced its support for the ‘Stop Climate Chaos’ campaign launched recently by a coalition of non-governmental organisations with millions of members across the UK. The campaign aims to brings together voices from across the development and environmental sectors to ask for definitive action on climate change. Scarborough Green Party co-ordinator Jonathan Dixon commented: "The UK's development and faith groups need to continue pressuring the government to meet its target of cutting carbon gas emissions 20 percent by 2010 and helping developing nations deal with the complexities of global climate change. Moves to eradicate global poverty must also include investing in clean energy and low carbon technologies." The Green Party is also using this event to highlight the policy of 'contraction and convergence' (C&C). Pioneered by the Global Commons Institute, it is a strategy that advocates 'contracting' overall global emissions to a safe level while at the same time 'converging' the emissions of rich and poor countries in order to arrive at a fair distribution between nations. C&C is known to have a realistic prospect of governmental approval because it is both inclusive and constitutional. Its scientific basis and strong framework means that the UK would be allocated allowances that would reduce its emissions 90 percent by 2050. Mr Dixon continued: "The need to tackle climate change properly has never been greater and I hope the strength and breadth of this new coalition will make politicians of all parties sit up and take notice. We have had little but delay, contradictory policies and soft soap from decision-makers so far. The time for real action is now." Mr Dixon and other Scarborough Green Party members will be attending the Green Party Conference in Lancaster from 8th-11th September, where the opening speech by Professor John Whitelegg will be ‘Climate Change After the G8’. ENDS Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Greens pleased with conference response | ||||||||
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Members of Scarborough Green Party say they're very pleased with the response to the Party's national Spring Conference, which was held in the town last week. The Conference was held at the Spa and finished on Sunday."Feedback from members was very positive", said Dilys Cluer, Scarborough Green Party's Co-Ordinator. "Scarborough is a very popular venue, despite the fact that it's such a long way for many members to travel from the South of the country. People love the town, and the Spa itself is a wonderful conference venue with very helpful and friendly staff. One member said that after seeing the town for the first time last week, he was planning to return in the summer for his holidays." Some of the Conference events were open to members of the public. Thursday 16th March saw a packed room at the Library in Vernon Road for a public meeting on the subject of society's fossil fuel dependency, featuring author and environmental consultant Paul Mobbs. "It was a fascinating, informative and thought-provoking presentation, which I'm sure everyone who saw it got something from", said Jonathan Dixon, Scarborough Green Party's Press Officer and former General Election Candidate, who also spoke at the meeting. "The message came across very clearly that the way we live now simply cannot continue, and that we need to dramatically reduce our addiction to oil." Saturday at the Conference featured a selection of stalls which members of the public could browse round. There were opportunities to pick up information, buy fairtrade and organic produce, and sample natural therapies. "It was good to see local people coming in to see what was happening, and make a connection with the Green Party in this way", said Annie Willerton, who organised the stalls. "It helped people to see that they had a lot in common with the Greens and our ideas, and a few people decided to join the Party there and then." Amongst the more formal business of the Conference, the Greens approved a new Health policy, along with other motions on issues such as air travel, Iraq, and animal testing. | ||||||||
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New councillor at Climate Change stall | ||||||||
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17th May 2006 Jonathan Dixon, the newly elected Green Party councillor for Stepney ward, will be in Scarborough town centre on Saturday 20th May. Cllr Dixon will be on hand to meet members of the public and answer questions from 10.30 - 11.30 at a Green Party stall in the pedestrian precinct. The Green Party is holding the stall to highlight the campaign against climate change on a national day of action. The Campaign Against Climate Change is organising a huge demonstration in London for Saturday 4th November to coincide with international climate talks, and is already beginning to raise awareness country-wide. At the stall, people will be able to sign up for further information about this action and transport to the demonstration. The Green Party also has a campaign ‘Green Energy Works’ and will be offering information on switching to a ‘green’ electricity supplier and on applying for a grant to help with the installation of renewable energy technology such as solar panels or small wind turbines. “We need to act against climate change at all levels in order to be effective,” said Scarborough Green Party co-ordinator Dilys Cluer. “International and national action is vital, but there is much that can also be done by local councils and by individuals. Switching to a renewable electricity provider is the easiest and most effective first step which you can take. “Installing your own renewable energy is more expensive, but gives more energy security in the long run. Scarborough needs some businesses and individuals who are able to afford it to set the example.” The stall, in Westborough in the area near the Brunswick Pavilion, will run from 10.30 until at least 1.30, weather permitting, and will also offer general information about the Green Party. ENDS Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 19 Alexandra Park Scarborough YO12 5JN | ||||||||
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Concern at breakdown in local NHS dental care | ||||||||
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The Green Party has expressed concern about the number of local dentists who have recently announced that they are to stop treating NHS patients. Concerns centre on how new contracts between dentists and the NHS are driving dentists to stop treating NHS dental patients altogether. "This is clearly a nationwide problem, but Scarborough, which has received national publicity in the past for its shortage of NHS dentists, will feel it more than many other places," said Jonathan Dixon, Scarborough Green Party's Press Officer. "It seems that many people in the town will be denied accessible and affordable dental care in future. Access to an NHS dentist and to free health care, including dentistry, at the point of need should be a right under the founding principles of the NHS." The national Green Party Conference will be at Scarborough Spa from Thursday this week discussing the Party's Health Policy. Stuart Jeffery, the Green Party's national Health spokesperson, said "The real issue is chronic under-funding by central government in the NHS in general. The Government has shown an inability to calculate the costs of their own policies, laying the blame on everyone else involved." "Labour's appalling record on NHS spending is beginning to hit home with reductions in access to NHS dentistry," continued Mr. Jeffery. "Despite their claims of record investment in the NHS, there has only been a 2.4% increase in funding to cover the need to increase NHS capacity. This money, under the ill-conceived internal market, has gone to fund hospital care, not dentistry. Dentistry is a vital aspect of health care, yet all too often it is ignored. We need dental services to be fully integrated into the NHS and to be funded by the NHS." | ||||||||
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Public Meeting - "Energy Beyond Oil" | ||||||||
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What will we do when oil and gas supplies start to run out? It could be sooner than many of us realise, says author and environmental consultant Paul Mobbs who will be speaking at a public meeting at Scarborough Library in Vernon Road next Thursday, 16th March starting at 7.30pm. Campaigners are warning that with increasing global energy demands, finite fossil fuels will inevitably reach a point at which demand will start to outstrip the rate at which sources can be found and extracted. Mr Mobbs said "For the UK/Europe, the greatest hardships will occur with Peak Gas, which could be less than fifteen years away. We need to look at where we are now, and the physical restrictions on all forms of energy use (including renewable sources, food, etc.) in the future." Mr Mobbs, the author of the book "Energy Beyond Oil", continued "The core of the issue is how we move beyond a global energy economy dominated by oil and other fossil fuels to one based on renewable/zero fossil carbon sources." The meeting is being held on the first day of the Green Party Conference in Scarborough. Also speaking will be Jonathan Dixon, local Green candidate at the last General Election and member of the Party's Policy Committee, and Greater London Assembly Member Jenny Jones. "There are three compelling reasons why we must be looking to dramatically reduce our consumption of fossil fuels," said Mr Dixon. "We have the ever growing threat of devastating climate change. We also have the fact that fossil fuel reserves are finite and cannot go on forever, along with the fact that much of the world's oil is held in potentially volatile parts of the world. Governments need to put much more effort into both energy conservation measures and renewable energy production if we are to move away from our dangerous dependence on fossil fuels." The Green Party have invited all local councillors to attend the meeting, and hope that many local members of the public will also attend to find out how they could do something to help address the issue. The Green Party recently launched its "Green Energy Works" campaign, which aims to highlight the benefits of renewable energy over fossil fuels and nuclear power, and to vastly increase the take up of "green electricity" by households. The Party also believes that the public has an important role to play in reducing overall energy demand. "We all know that climate change is happening and it makes sense for us all to do fewer things to make it worse," said Greater London Assembly member Jenny Jones. "We could leave it to the government, but that could take a long time, so why not do those simple things that will improve the situation and can save ourselves money too, like switching off lights, insulating our houses and recylcing as much waste as we can?" FURTHER INFORMATION: 1. Summary of the book "Energy Beyond Oil": http://www.fraw.org.uk/ebo/tour_info/ebo_introduction.html 2. Green Energy Works campaign: www.greenenergyworks.org.uk | ||||||||
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MPs asked to support sustainable energy | ||||||||
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The Green Party has written to local MPs Robert Goodwill & John Greenway to urge them to attend the House of Commons this week for a crucial vote on the environment. The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill is due for its Third Reading on Friday 10th March. The Greens want to ensure that as many MPs as possible are there to support the Bill and vote it through. "Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. We need to take some very significant measures if the future for many people on the planet is not to look increasingly bleak," said Jonathan Dixon, Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Green Party's Press Officer. "We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and this will take real action by governments to both promote energy conservation measures and stimulate the production of energy from renewable sources. This Bill would be an important step." The Greens have also asked Mr. Goodwill & Mr. Greenway to commit to not voting to expand nuclear power in future. They have sent them a copy of "The Alternative Energy Report", launched last week and commissioned by the Green Party, which sets out the case against nuclear power as compared to the alternatives. "The Government seem to be considering nuclear power as a serious option to help reduce our CO2 emissions," continued Mr. Dixon. "The Green Party is opposed to any expansion of nuclear power, as this would simply exchange one danger for another. The Alternative Energy Report shows that a twin-pronged investment in renewable alternatives and energy efficiency and conservation measures will not only deliver greater emissions reductions than nuclear power, it will deliver them more cheaply, and all without the huge safety risks inherent in the nuclear option." On Monday the Sustainable Development Commission, a Government advisory body, also rejected calls for new nuclear power stations in the UK - saying the dangers and costs outweigh any potential benefits in terms of combating climate change or guaranteeing future energy security. FURTHER INFORMATION: 1. The Sustainable Development Corporations position paper: "The role of nuclear power in a low-carbon economy" is available from http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/publications.php 2. For details of the Government's Energy Review, see http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/review/ 3. The Green Party's Alternative Energy Report is available at http://www.greenparty.org.uk/files/reports/2006/finalfinalTheAlternativeEnergyReport.pdf | ||||||||
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Greens at Climate March |
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5th December 2005 Dilys Cluer was one of an estimated 25 or so Yorkshire Green Party members on the Climate March in London on Saturday 3rd December. They joined hundreds of Green Party members and other protesters in a march and rally reckoned to number 10,000 participants. With banners proclaiming messages such as “Go Green to save the world”, “Solar not Nuclear” and “Targets now!” the march wound its way from Lincoln’s Inn Fields past the Exxon-Mobil headquarters and Downing Street to finish with a rally outside the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square. There many speakers addressed the crowd, highlighting the urgency of action to prevent climate change, the alarming signs of change which are already evident, the need to involve the United States of America, and the fact that the poorest will suffer worst. “The range of speakers was impressive and their contributions were all important,” said Ms. Cluer, “but the most rapturous welcome was for Green MEP Caroline Lucas, who spoke brilliantly as always, and for journalist George Monbiot, who had a very sobering message. “He told the crowd that cuts in carbon dioxide emissions of nintey per cent in the next 25 years are necessary if we are to save life as we know it. Nuclear power is unacceptable for many reasons, and energy efficieny and renewable power can only partly replace fossil fuels. “The blunt fact is that humankind has been living on stored energy for a few hundred years and that era is now coming to an end. We have to reduce our total use of energy now. “With the help of modern knowledge, this need not mean going back to medieval times, but it will mean change and it will have to happen very soon.” Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Blair risking catastrophe | ||||||||
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27th November 2005 Green Party members who are travelling to London next Saturday for the Climate March have slammed Tony Blair’s recent remarks. Speaking at a summit of energy and environment ministers recently, the Prime Minister said legal targets made people worried they would have to restrict their economic growth and that no country would sacrifice their economy to meet the challenge. Green Party member Chris Phillips said: "Unchecked economic growth in the West since the eighteenth century has depended on first coal then oil. This is why we find ourselves having to deal with climate change. "Instead of tackling 'mankind's greatest challenge' at the source - an obvious solution, even to a child - Mr Blair will risk catastrophe to maintain this unsustainable perpetual growth. "The end result of ever-escalating climate change is not only damage to the planet but damage to the economy. Why does he [Mr Blair] have such trouble putting this to foreign leaders? Could US and UK ties to big business be involved?” Press Officer Dilys Cluer added, "A paradigm shift is necessary to prevent huge loss of life and environment. This is a statement of fact. Even now, in the relatively early stages, 160 000 people die every year as a result of climate change. "How can we hope for this shift when Tony Blair clearly believes preserving unfettered economic growth is more important than preserving a habitable planet? "I hope that Saturday’s demonstration will be huge and that the Prime Minister will get the message, though I am doubtful about the prospects for real change unless many more Greens are elected or public opinion swings overwhelmingly in favour of tight limits on emissions.” Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Sustainable features suggested for building | ||||||||
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7th October 2005 ‘Set an example’ say Greens Local Green Party activist Dilys Cluer has written to the director of property for Yorkshire Coast Homes to suggest that their new headquarters building should include features to protect the environment. “As with all new buildings,” she said, “I am concerned that it should be built with a view to a sustainable future. Everyone now knows that we will face severe problems if climate change gets worse, and that we should try to prevent it by limiting carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, oil reserves are finite and the price of energy is likely to rise substantially over the coming years. “It makes sense, therefore, for developers to construct buildings with the future in mind. Examples of features which could be included are rainwater harvesting, windows facing mainly south, super-insulation, small-scale renewable energy generation such as photovoltaic roof tiles, and a sustainable heating system. “I hope that the architects are already thinking of including some of these features, as all new buildings should be built with the future in mind. “The Sure Start building in Barrowcliff has been highly commended and it would be good to have somewhere in central Scarborough showing that design for the future is possible while remaining visually in tune with the surrounding area.” ENDS Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Different response to fuel crisis needed | ||||||||
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14th September 2005 Gordon Brown "dangerously short sighted" The Green Party today made an appeal to the government to show real leadership and foresight in developing more sustainable transport systems for the twenty-first century. Scarborough Green Party co-ordinator Jonathan Dixon said: "The reality is that oil is a finite resource. As it depletes, and demand grows, it will increase in price, and that is what we are witnessing, prompted by Hurricane Katrina's effects on US supplies. "Gordon Brown has said that global issues need global solutions - but these solutions must also be sustainable. With the growing industrialisation of China and India, the situation is only going to get worse. To ask that Opec increase oil production by 500,000 extra barrels a day, as he has done, is dangerously short sighted." "A responsible government would be planning now for when oil is even more expensive and in short supply. Industry analysts predict crude oil will double from its present price within the next few years. We're seeing the upset petrol pump price rises of a few pence per litre can cause, there is a real potential for huge civil disruption when peak oil predictions come true. "Cutting the petrol tax is not the answer to the problem. We need to dramatically reduce the oil dependency of our economy - which makes us vulnerable to periodic shocks and disruption such as this, rather than continue to massively subsidise motorists. The Green Party believes this is patently unsustainable and irresponsible. "For the government not to take immediate decisive and positive action now is a betrayal of this and future generations. We cannot afford to wait until petrol stations run out of fuel to act, or the floods caused by global warming are at our door - because that will be too late. "We must develop alternative and sustainable transport solutions now. We must also improve planning to reduce the need to travel, and this is where local government can play a large part. “This is the fourth fuel crisis in as many decades - how many do we need to suffer for the government to wake up?" Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Party Conference to be in Scarborough | ||||||||
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12th September 2005 Green Party members Jonathan Dixon, Annie Willerton and Dilys Cluer, returning from the Green Party’s Autumn Conference in Lancaster, are pleased to announce that the next Spring Conference of the Green Party will be held in Scarborough. “Green Party members enjoyed previous conferences in Scarborough and agree that it is a good place to visit,” said local press officer Dilys Cluer, “and the local party will be very pleased to welcome the conference again.” At the conference in Lancaster rapturous applause greeted speeches by the two principal speakers, Keith Taylor and MEP Caroline Lucas. There were speakers on Fairer Votes for All, Green Energy Futures, Terrorism and Civil Liberties in Blair’s Britain, and the oppression of West Papua by Indonesia. An amended policy paper on Agriculture was passed, including additional policies to protect rural dwellers and consumers from the effect of harmful substances used in agriculture and to discourage monopolies which place unreasonable demands on production and farm-gate prices. As well as policy workshops, members were able to attend fringe meetings on subjects as diverse as Peak Oil, Crime and community, the Trade Union Group, and the real achievements of Green Councillors. Foreign affairs were also covered: as well as West Papua, Europe, Venezuela, the Kurdish conflict, Somalia and Asia were subjects of fringe meetings. “I had a really interesting and enjoyable time in Lancaster,” added Ms. Cluer. “There was fun and entertainment as well as the serious discussions. I hope that the Scarborough conference will be just as good.” Reports from the Lancaster conference can be found on the Green Party website www.greenparty.org.uk. The Green Party spring conference in Scarborough will be held at the Spa from 16th - 19th March 2006 and further information will be posted on the party website and the local party website www.greenscarborough.org.uk Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Make Poverty History | ||||||||
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1st July 2005 Scarborough Green Party members Jonathan Dixon and Annie Willerton and their son are travelling to Edinburgh by train tomorrow to attend the Make Poverty History rally. "We booked our train tickets for this important event weeks ago, before the coach was organised," said Mr Dixon. "Although there has been a lot of hype and we are not sure how much it will actually achieve, we do believe that it is important for people to make their voices heard. "Tony Blair has put Africa and Climate Change at the top of his agenda for this summit, but the actual achievements forecast fall far short of what is needed. "In fact much could be done to address both problems at once if the world were to adopt the policy of Contraction and Convergence, as advocated by the Global Commons Institute. This aims to reduce the total 'greenhouse gas' emissions of the world while at the same time aiming towards an equal allowance for each person. In the process, richer countries with their high emissions will have to buy allowances from less developed countries, so enabling the latter to have the funds for truly sustainable development." Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Welcome for French 'Non' | ||||||||
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30th May 2005 Scarborough Green Party has welcomed the French vote against the European Constitution. “The Green Party does think that the European Union needs a constitution to spell out the relationship between the EU and the member states, but the constitution currently proposed is entirely wrong,” said local Green Party press officer Dilys Cluer. “It is not democratic because it leaves the real power in the hands of the Commission and Council of Ministers rather than the elected European Parliament. “It is not good for the environment or people because it enshrines the principles of economic growth and removing barriers to trade as permanent features of the EU. Everlasting economic growth is clearly not possible in a world of finite resources; and if barriers to trade are reduced too far, we get privatisation of public services and a race to the bottom in terms of wages and conditions - we can already see the bad effects of this in Britain. “Moreover, the proposed constitution takes more of the real power away from the nation states and hands it to European institutions,” continued Ms. Cluer. “In particular, foreign and defence matters will be handled by the EU and its decisions will overrule those of individual nation states. There will be, in effect, an EU army and the nations will be committed to increasing military spending. “This is just the opposite of what Greens want, as we stand for peaceful resolution of conflicts, an end to all weapons of mass destruction - including the British nuclear deterrent - and a reformed and strengthened United Nations.” The Green Party has signed up to the cross-party ‘No’ campaign in the event that the British government decides to proceed with a referendum here. Note: A Pro-European case against the constitution by Green MEP Caroline Lucas can be found at http://www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk/framesets/publications.html Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Greens join call for Proportional Representation | ||||||||
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19th May 2005 Local Green Party members will be following in the footsteps of their nationally elected representatives when they join a cross-party group calling for proportional representation at all elections. Green MEP Jean Lambert joined MPs calling for a referendum on proportional representation, when she took part in a cross-party delegation of politicians taking the campaign for electoral reform to Downing Street. The Greens currently have 8 MSPs, 2 Euro-MPs, and 2 London Assembly members elected under systems of proportional representation. During the General Election, Greens gained no MPs but increased their overall vote nationally by 18%. Scarborough Green Party press officer Dilys Cluer commented, "It is not democratic that a party backed by less than one in five of the electorate will has a monopoly on policymaking for the next five years, whereas the Green Party - who gained up to 22% in some constituencies - will have no national political voice." "First-past-the-post actively denies voters the Green voice that they clearly would like to have in parliament. It forces people to exercise a "fear vote" against parties they don't want rather than for the parties they believe in. What kind of democracy is that?" Liberal Democrats, Greens and perhaps others will be in Westborough on Saturday afternoon (21st May) to encourage the public to sign a petition for proportional representation. “We are very happy to work with other parties in this way to press for a more democratic system of elections,” said Ms. Cluer. Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Climate change stall | ||||||||
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28th September 2005 Tackling climate change will be the main theme of a Green Party stall in Westborough on Saturday morning. Scarborough Green Party will be setting up stall to show people the urgency of the climate change problem and some of the Green Party’s proposed solutions. "Hardly anyone can now be unaware of the risks of climate change,” said Scarborough Green Party press officer Dilys Cluer, “what with the two devastating hurricanes in the USA and the new report about record melting of the Arctic sea ice. “This is a world emergency, yet our government is totally unprepared to take the necessary action. Tony Blair devoted only about three sentences to it in his conference speech. "This is a crucial time in terms of climate change. Scientists agree that we are reaching a 'tipping point'; we need radical action now. Britain is about to fail to meet its Kyoto targets because under the Labour government pollution levels have actually risen. This situation is totally unacceptable. "What our leaders don't seem to comprehend is that climate change is unlike any other issue: there is a shrinking window of opportunity where we can begin to genuinely deal with it and the only way to do this is to bring carbon emissions down now." The Green Party stall will be in the Westborough shopping area in the morning of Saturday 1st October. Leaflets will be available about climate change and other aspects of Green Party policy, including information about action which individuals and governments could take. ENDS Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Greens support safety campaign | ||||||||
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17th April 2005 The Green Party's election candidates have expressed support for the campaign to get traffic calming measures and crossing points on Cross Lane and Green Lane. In a letter to Scarborough Council's traffic and transportation manager Bruce Bedford, written on behalf of Scarborough Green Party, county council candidate Dilys Cluer says: "Green Lane in particular is a very dangerous road to cross on account of the contours of the road, with many places where motorists and pedestrians cannot see each other at a distance. I used to worry about it when my own sons were at Scalby School, and that was around fifteen years ago when there was considerably less traffic than there is now. "Designated crossing points would be particularly useful for school children, who sometimes have less sense than adults about choosing a safe place to cross. The Green Party supports the concept of Safe Routes to School and measures to slow traffic in urban areas. We hope that the introduction of appropriate measures will not depend on the outcome of the investigation into the recent tragic accident, but will take place in any case in view of the large volume of traffic and children on these roads every school day and the obvious risk of further accidents." Jonathan Dixon, who is the local Green candidate for Westminster as well as for local council elections, commented: "Safe routes to schools would be given the highest priority by the Green Party, so that most children are able to walk or cycle to school. We wish to reduce the speed of traffic in built-up areas, for everyone's benefit. If our candidates are elected to the Borough and County councils, we will do our utmost to improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users." Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street, Scarborough, YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Welcome for WI environment motion | ||||||||
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9th June 2005 Scarborough Green Party has welcomed the motion passed by the National Federation of Women's Institutes' AGM encouraging WI members to take responsibility for the environment. The motion, which simply states that the WI should 'care for the environment' by reducing waste, and calling on manufacturers, retailers and politicians to do the same, was proposed and seconded by WI members Tracy Sortwell and Jane Harris and adopted by more than 6,000 votes to just 39. The resolution "calls on WI members to take further action to reduce waste and conserve resources in their own homes and communities; to lobby manufacturers, retailers and decision-makers to reduce waste in the production, packaging and transportation of public and consumer goods". The WI AGM was addressed by Dr Caroline Lucas, Green MEP for South-East England, who said profligate lifestyles in the UK were damaging both human health and the environment. "Action on waste and resource conservation really matter, and the WI can make a real difference - both through the actions its members take on a daily basis and through the power of their advocacy to manufacturers and decision-maker," she said. "The production and consumption patterns of those of us in the rich North are destroying the environment and denying the opportunities for development of some of the world's poorest people." Delegates also heard how 'zero-waste' strategies in New Zealand and some parts of Australia and the US have cut landfill and incinerator use by as much as 40 per cent - and increased recycling rates to 64 per cent - four times higher than in the UK. Local Green Party press officer Dilys Cluer commented, "I am delighted the WI has passed this resolution today, because it is a hugely influential organisation, and it will send out the crucial message to others that environmental justice can't wait: the time to act is now." ENDS Further information, interviews: Dilys Cluer (Press officer) 01723 368475 Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Greens slam Labour over Brown's war admission | ||||||||
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The Green Party have accused Gordon Brown of finally "letting the cat out of the bag" over the real reason why the Government went to war in Iraq. On a BBC TV interview this morning (Tuesday May 3rd) Gordon Brown said that the war had been the right decision to take "in the national economic interest". "Finally, the facade has slipped and the Government's true position comes to light on the war," said Jonathan Dixon, Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Scarborough & Whitby. "The war was not about weapons of mass destruction, or any humanitarian concerns for the people of Iraq. It was all about economics, and Gordon Brown has finally admitted as much. Labour went to war to advance British economic interests - that is why tens of thousands of innocent people died." The Iraq war has plagued Labour during the election campaign, with many voters giving it as a primary reason for them not trusting Labour with their vote again. "The Green Party consistently campaigned against the war, unlike the other parties who are trying to make capital out of the issue now. The Conservatives backed it, and the Liberal Democrats pretty much sat on the fence, as usual," continued Mr. Dixon. "It should have been clear to observers that the Government was always clutching at straws trying to create evidence to justify going to war - a decision it had already clearly made in principle many months earlier." Mr. Dixon also claimed that Gordon Brown's admission shows that he is just as untrustworthy as Tony Blair. "There has been a subliminal message from many Labour supporters during this campaign that Gordon Brown is somehow beyond criticism for the war. The suggestion is that whilst many people have lost trust in Tony Blair, a Labour victory on May 5th will take Gordon Brown to 10 Downing Street within the next few years when Blair hands over the reins. But Brown cannot deny responsibility for what has been going on in the last few years. His admission today shows that he's just as guilty of lying to the public over the war as Blair is." Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer on behalf of Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Plane hypocrisy | ||||||||
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6th April 2005 "Kennedy campaign plane expected to release 100 tonnes of CO2 into atmosphere" - Green experts Greens transport experts have calculated that Charles Kennedy's electioneering alone will "pollute the atmosphere by 100 tonnes of CO2 ", following Kennedy's decision to use "the most polluting form of transport known to man" - a plane - to conduct his election campaign. Green transport experts have calculated that Kennedy's campaign aircraft - which will travel over 8,000 miles in the run up to the election - will release 25 tonnes of CO2 emissions per week. Professor John Whitelegg, Green Sustainable Development Spokesperson and Professor of sustainable transport at Liverpool John Moores University comments: "Kennedy's revealing decision to use the most polluting form of transport on earth - a plane - to conduct his election campaign, is unsurprising given that his aviation policies leave the back-door open to airport expansion." Local candidate Jonathan Dixon adds: "The Lib Dems have often tried to present a green face by criticising the Government's aviation programme, but their own carefully worded policy -which leaves the way open for more South East airport building "when existing capacity is fully utilised " - is not much different from the Government's predict and provide policy. "It is rank hypocrisy for the Lib Dems to claim that they are serious about protecting the environment and then to make such massive use of aircraft during their campaign." He concludes: "Climate change is a serious threat of globally catastrophic proportions, and the Big 3 parties' indistinguishable environmental policies of "preach Green and practise pollution" are totally unacceptable." Published and promoted for Scarborough Whitby and Ryedale Green Party by Dilys Cluer, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Stall highlights climate change | ||||||||
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28th April 2005 “The forgotten issue” Climate change is one of the main issues which will be highlighted at a stall by Scarborough Green Party in Scarborough on Saturday 30th April. The stall, which will be in the Westborough shopping precinct from 1.30 - 4.30 pm on Saturday (weather permitting) is intended to promote the Green Party’s policies and its candidates in the coming elections. People will be able to pick up literature and ask questions. In particular, there will be three leaflets about the party’s main policy points for the General Election: public services, positive change for peace, and combating climate change. “Our policies in all three areas are distinct from those of the other parties who are standing in Scarborough,” said press officer Dilys Cluer, who is also a county council candidate for the Woodlands division. “Public services need to be publicly funded and easily accessible to people - for instance, we want to keep local post offices and local hospitals. For peace, we need to put much more effort into creating a more peaceful world, resolving conflicts and ending injustice. “But it is climate change which is largely a forgotten issue at this election. Some scientists believe that if we don’t take drastic action within the next ten years, climate change may be irreversible. Yet none of the other parties’ candidates in this general election has a single word about climate change on their election communication leaflets in Scarborough and Whitby. “They are abdicating responsibility and the people of Scarborough should sent them a clear message by voting Green.” Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Leafleting lunch |
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19th April 2005 When Green Party members and supporters gather on Thursday 21st April, they will not only be keen to help with leafleting and canvassing - they will be expecting a simple, delicious and nourishing lunch at the end of the morning. Green Party election agent Annie Willerton, who will be providing the lunch for party workers, said, “I believe it is really important to sustain our helpers with good healthy food while they are working so hard. I am happy to nourish our members and supporters who are taking part in this day’s intensive campaigning. “We enjoy socialising and working as a team, and the lunch break at mid-day also enables us to know each other better.” The Green Party members and supporters will be leafleting and canvassing in the Stepney ward, where Jonathan Dixon is a candidate for the Borough Council by-election, and they hope that their efforts will also bring in more votes for the Greens in the County Council and General elections. Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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National role for local candidate | ||||||||
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19th April 2005 Green Party parliamentary candidate for Scarborough and Whitby, Jonathan Dixon, is playing a key role in the Green Party's run-up to the election. Mr Dixon, who was the party's Policy Co-ordinator for three years, is answering all national policy queries during the temporary absence of the current policy co-ordinator. "He's having to answer dozens of emails a day," explained his election agent Annie Willerton, "including many enquiries from the national media and campaigning organisations, as well as from the Green Party's candidates elsewhere in the country." The extra work comes on top of an already hectic schedule for Mr Dixon, who is standing for election in both the County Council and the Stepney Ward By-Election as well as the General Election on May 5th. "The extra interest in the Green Party this year is very encouraging for us, and it reflects a growing disillusionment with mainstream politics for many people," said Mr Dixon. "That extra interest is also being reflected on the doorstep locally. Many people are telling us that they think it's time for a change and that they will be voting Green for the first time this year." The Greens are hoping to make a breakthrough both nationally and locally on May 5th. They have high hopes for winning their first seats in Westminster, as well as gaining their first Councillors in the Scarborough area where they are standing a record number of candidates in the County Council Elections. Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Record number of local Green Party candidates | ||||||||
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4th April The Green Party is putting up a record number of candidates in the Scarborough area in the County Council elections to be held on 5th May this year. Eight candidates, more than ever before, will be standing in this area for the Green Party, giving many people the chance to vote Green in a local election for the first time. "This reflects the growing strength of the Green Party up and down the country," says local party co-ordinator Jonathan Dixon. "While disillusioned people are deserting other parties in droves, Green membership is rising steadily both locally and nationally." Jonathan Dixon will be the candidate for the Falsgrave and Stepney division. Mr Dixon, 38, a self-employed accountant, has lived with his partner and son in the Falsgrave and Stepney division for the past twelve years. He has been an active member of the Green Party since 1989. He was a member of the Green Party's National Executive committee for three years, holding the position of Policy Co-ordinator, and is currently the party's Treasurer as well as it national adviser on Taxation and Benefits policy. He has been actively involved in many local campaigns over the last fifteen years, including those opposing the Poll Tax, Genetically Modified Food and the 'Son of Star Wars' development at Fylingdales. He was a key member of the local residents' group which campaigned successfully for traffic calming on Wykeham Street. He has also been a volunteer sports coach at a local primary school for the last three years. Dilys Cluer will be the candidate for the Woodlands division. Ms. Cluer, 57, works part-time as a private tutor. She has been a member of the Green Party since 1979 and has been a candidate at most local elections since 1989. She is currently the local party's press officer. Ms. Cluer is a member of Next Generation Now and the Scarborough Cycle Forum and takes a particular interest in transport, health and education. She was a member of Newby and Scalby Parish Council for four years when she lived in that area. She has lived with her husband in Alexandra Park for thirteen years. Ms. Cluer is also a Quaker, and in her spare time she enjoys reading, choral singing and gardening. The other Green candidates are: Scalby and the Coast: Philip Wall, who runs his own waste disposal, salvage and recycling business Northstead: Christopher Phillips, a recently retired educational book representative with many interests including education, mental health, healthy diets, gardening, and combating climate change Newby: Mandy Grant, 50, a community nurse, who is particularly concerned about animal welfare. Castle: John Marsden, who was a candidate in Falsgrave Park at the Borough elections of 2003 Weaponness & Ramshill: Paul Johnston, a self-employed consultant Hertford & Cayton: Josie Downs, a voluntary worker with a long-standing interest in environment and development issues Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street, Scarborough, YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Plastic bags sent back to shops |
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23rd March 2005 Green Party urges tax to prevent threats to environment Scarborough Green Party members are sending back to the stores a large number of plastic bags which they have collected from local trees, hedgerows and public spaces. In a letter to the store managers, Jonathan Dixon, co-ordinator of Scarborough and Whitby Green Party, says, "This litter is not just unsightly. It poses a significant threat to the local environment and wildlife. "We realise that you cannot be held entirely responsible for how your customers dispose of your bags after they take them home. However, we also believe that the way in which vast amounts of unnecessary plastic bags are given to customers free of charge encourages people to treat them in a thoughtless way." Mr Dixon goes on to point out that the Republic of Ireland introduced a tax on plastic carrier bags (equivalent to approximately 10p per bag) in 2002. Since the introduction of the tax, use of plastic bags there has reduced by 95%. This shows how unnecessary most of this bag use is. In the UK, we currently use 8 billion plastic bags per year. "The Green Party is campaigning for the introduction of such a tax here," said Mr Dixon. "We would also like stores to do more to discourage the unnecessary use of plastic bags by their customers." The Green Party maintains that the clean-up of this litter which originates from stores is being paid for by local taxpayers, or is taking the time and effort of volunteers. Their letter ends: " We consider this to be grossly unfair. We are therefore sending you a bill for the clearing of your bags from the local environment by our members." Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street Scarborough YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Green support for animal fund-raiser | ||||||||
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22nd March 2005 Members of Scarborough Green Party will be among those gathering in support of Terry Stewart as he sets off on his 104-mile walk to raise money for animal charities. Green Parliamentary candidate Jonathan Dixon, who was invited to be present, said, "I'm really sorry that I will probably not be back in time after working at the Green Party office in my role as Treasurer. I would have liked to be there to support Terry. "The Green Party has strong policies on animal rights. We would quickly phase out all fur farms, intensive farming, dissection in educational establishments and vivisection. We would ban immediately all experiments on primates and most other categories of animal experimentation, with an aim to eliminate all animal experimentation within five years." Other party members intend to go to Eastfield by bus or bicycle to see Terry Stewart off. Press Officer Dilys Cluer said, "I admire Terry's determination in undertaking this walk and I shall be sponsoring him myself. Animal welfare is one of the many subjects about which I am personally concerned and which are part of the programme of the Green Party. Being a member of the Green Party enables me to further a lot of my deeply-held concerns under the one umbrella." Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street, Scarborough, YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Green candidate chosen for Stepney ward by-election | ||||||||
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22nd March 2005 Scarborough Green Party has selected Jonathan Dixon as its candidate in the Stepney ward by-election to be held on 5th May. Mr Dixon is 38 years old, and works as a self-employed accountant. He was one of the two Green Party candidates in the ward in the election in 2003. The Green Party feels that his financial experience and knowledge make him ideally suited for a position on the Borough Council, which has recently been rocked by news of financial irregularities and mismanagement. "The town's reputation has been severely compromised by recent events, and Scarborough deserves better, " said Mr Dixon. "It's time for a change. I believe that I have the skills needed to help put things right and restore public confidence in the Council." Jonathan Dixon was born and grew up in Scarborough and lives with his partner and their son in the Stepney Ward. He has been actively involved in many local campaigns: he opposed the Poll Tax, Water Fluoridation and genetically modified food and the Missile Defence developments at Fylingdales, and more recently the war on Iraq; he was a key member of the group of residents who successfully campaigned for traffic calming on Wykeham Street. He was a member of the Green Party's National Executive committee for three years, holding the position of Policy Co-ordinator. He is currently the Party Treasurer, and co-ordinator of Scarborough Green Party. In 2003 the Green Party gained almost 15% of the vote in the Stepney Ward and the party believes that recent local events, together with the concern over climate change, Iraq and public services, can raise its support towards a winning position. Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street, Scarborough, YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Greens welcome renewable energy targets | ||||||||
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20th March 2005 "Early development essential" Scarborough Green Party has welcomed the publication of a report setting out renewable energy targets for Yorkshire and the Humber. The report says a quarter of the borough's power could come from renewable resources by 2021. "We welcome this report," said Jonathan Dixon, Scarborough Green Party's prospective parliamentary candidate. "Green Party members will be trying to ensure that the targets are achieved. "Indeed, even higher targets may be necessary, since this country needs to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by about 75% over the next 30 years. "Energy conservation should be the primary solution to the problem, but the use of renewable energy such as wind, tidal, biomass and solar power needs to be increased rapidly in order to reduce to a minimum our burning of fossil fuels." Dilys Cluer, who will be standing in the Woodlands division in the County Council elections in May, added, "Of course Green councillors would make sure that wind power developments were sensitively sited, since we do not want to spoil the most beautiful parts of our county. But sites do need to be found, and councils should start now to identify suitable sites for wind and other renewable power sources. "Small-scale, unobtrusive wind powered generators for buildings are also becoming available, and these could make a significant contribution to energy supply if they were installed in the right places." Published and promoted by Dilys Cluer for Scarborough Green Party, both at 69 Wykeham Street, Scarborough, YO12 7SA | ||||||||
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Greens slam anti-terror laws | ||||||||
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7th March 2005 Anti-terrorist measures declared “unlawful and appalling” The Green Party has lambasted the Home Secretary’s new ‘draconian’ anti-terror measures as a ‘further step towards turning Britain into a police state’. At their Spring conference in Chesterfield, delegates passed an emergency motion calling for local parties up and down the country to campaign against Charles Clarke's measures. Hugo Charlton, human rights barrister and Chair of the Green Party, commented: "Labour home office policies have been roundly condemned by civil liberties groups, in the courts and even by their own party. "Yet Charles Clarke plans to make people prisoners in their own homes on the whim of his department." Jonathan Dixon, Scarborough Green Party’s prospective candidate for Westminster, said: "These measures constitute a significant increase in the power of Government over the individual, and are a major violation of civil liberties." Mr. Dixon, who attended the conference along with fellow Scarborough Green Party member Dilys Cluer, continued: ‘We are not in a state of emergency. The rule of law and the Convention of Human Rights must not be suspended as and when it suits the Government. “Lawrie Quinn, in voting for these measures, has helped to bring about a significant reduction in the civil liberties of his constituents.” The motion was passed overwhelmingly at the Spring Conference amid much scathing comment on what was deemed ‘a concerted attempt to create a ‘culture of fear.’ | ||||||||
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Greens welcome blue recycling bins | ||||||||
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26th February 2005 But is it too little, too late? Scarborough Green Party has welcomed the announcement that every household in Scarborough will get a blue recycling bin and bag by the end of May. The party, which has campaigned for years for improved recycling facilities in the town, is pleased that kerbside collections are soon to start. "At last!" remarked local Green Party co-ordinator and prospective parliamentary candidate Jonathan Dixon at a recent meeting. "We certainly welcome these bins and hope that the people of Scarborough will make full use of them. Green Party councillors would press for more frequent collections and expansion of the types of materials collected. It is important to save energy, to avoid pollution and to slow down the consumption of non-renewable resources before they become scarce." "Personally, I would have preferred the navy blue bins," commented local Green Party press officer Dilys Cluer, "because I think both the paler ones would look worse against their usual surroundings of red brick or green plants. However, I am delighted that we are going to get bins and that it will be so much easier for people to save paper, cans and plastic bottles for recycling. "The Green Party aims to maximise recycling, although we also have policies to minimise the amount people have to throw away, so we would tackle the problems of resource use and of lack of landfill space from both ends." | ||||||||
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Support for Credit Unions | ||||||||
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The Green Party has welcomed proposals for setting up a local credit union in Scarborough. "The Green Party has a long-standing support for credit unions," said Jonathan Dixon, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Scarborough. "It is important that affordable credit is available to those who are less well-off, and credit unions are a proven way of delivering that." The proposals come in the wake of a recent report by the Joseph Rowntree Trust, which warns that banks will be more reluctant to offer credit to those on lower incomes in future as they aim to focus on more profitable business. "Without the development of initiatives like credit unions, many families may in future be drawn into debt at excessive interest rates or with punitive terms which they just can't afford," continued Mr. Dixon. "I therefore hope that this idea will get the full support that it deserves from local people and their elected representatives." "Credit unions are also a way of keeping money in the local economy," added local Green Party press officer Dilys Cluer, "so this initiative will be good for the town as well as for the people who use it. I would personally support it by putting some of my savings into it. "I hope that anyone who welcomes the idea but cannot get to the initial meeting will let the organisers know." The proposals will be discussed at a meeting at Falsgrave Community Resource Centre on 24th February from 4pm to 6pm, with refreshments, travel costs and childcare provided. To book a place, or for information, call Matthew Joseph on (01723) 383454 or Kerry Lee on (01723) 232472. | ||||||||
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New report on climate change warns of catastrophe | ||||||||
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1st February 2005 Green Party calls for Real action, not more rhetoric from Blair The Green Party has called for our government and others to join in urgent action to combat the danger of climate change, which could become unstoppable within ten years or less, according to a new report. The report by the International Climate Change Taskforce ("Meeting the Climate Challenge") warns of dangerous climate change becoming inevitable in 10 years or less, caused by human induced atmospheric change. The Taskforce sets out 10 key recommendations for policy makers involving a far more co-ordinated and committed programme for action than world leaders have agreed to date, including G8 countries to generate at least 25% of electricity from renewables by 2025, energy efficiency and assistance to developing countries. Jonathan Dixon, Green Party prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Scarborough and Whitby, said: "The Green Party has been calling for action to reduce fossil fuel use for decades and has long promoted the kind of measures that the Taskforce is recommending. It really is time for real action, not more rhetoric from world leaders. Tony Blair goes on claiming to care about climate change whilst his Government simultaneously pushes forward seemingly endless growth plans for bigger airports, more roads, container port expansions and development sprawling over the countryside. CO2 emissions under New Labour have not fallen. Road and air traffic have risen massively and they cannot even commit to measures such as installing solar panels on all new developments, yet in Germany and Japan they are installing about 100 times more solar panels than the UK is. Developing a Green economy that reduces energy consumption and emissions will not only be good for the planet, it will generate new industries and jobs in renewables, recycling and sustainable transport." Scarborough Green Party press officer Dilys Cluer added, "Atmospheric concentrations of CO2 are now at the highest levels for millions of years. Report after report is warning of the dangers of not acting on the mounting evidence staring us in the face. Tony Blair, George Bush and other world leaders have to realise that smooth words of concern are irrelevant now. There may be little time left to reduce fossil fuel burning and energy consumption if catastrophic climate change is to be avoided - and I mean catastrophic, for scientists have predicted feedback loops caused by events such as melting ice caps and burning forests which could make life very unpleasant, if not impossible. "I urge everyone not only to make some changes to their way of life but to vote only for a political party which puts tackling climate change at the top of the agenda." Ends Notes for editors: 1. Current atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide is 379 parts per million (ppm) and appears to be rising at an accelerating rate. The report assesses that breaching the 400ppm level will lead to a 2 degrees C rise in global temperature, leading to inevitable and unstoppable consequences of serious flooding, droughts, storms, sea level rise, temperature extremes and other impacts. Eastern England would be particularly hard hit by coastal flooding due to sea level rise and storm surges. 2. have set out 3 main policy themes for the elections; climate change, public services and peace. The Green Party is preparing to launch a new national leafleting campaign which will be used during the General Election to highlight the issue of climate change. The Greens have set out 3 main policy themes for the elections; climate change, public services and peace. | ||||||||
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Promoted and Published by Dilys Cluer, Press Officer for Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Green
Party both at 69 Wykeham Street, Scarborough YO12 7SA.
© 2005 Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Green Party |
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