18 August 2017

The Green Party has responded to the sale of the Green Investment Bank to Australian firm Macquarie, which was announced today [1].

Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, said:

“The completion of this sale is disastrous news for everyone who cares about the future of renewable energy. This was a bad deal for the taxpayer and a bad deal for the planet. In 2016, the GIB started to make a profit and it was set to deliver an annual return of 10 per cent.

“The Government was repeatedly warned that selling the GIB to Macquarie could result in asset-stripping and leave the bank unfit for purpose. The sale means taxpayers no longer have a say if this turns out to be true.

“As we grapple with soaring temperatures and a climate change denier in the White House we need to be investing in green energy, not flogging off our future security to the highest bidder.”

Notes:

1. https://www.ft.com/content/e018d83a-835f-11e7-a4ce-15b2513cb3ff

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17 August 2017

Responding to the terror attack in Barcelona, Co-Leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas said:

“We send thoughts and deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected by the terror attack in Barcelona. This was a monstrous act targeted at people who were out enjoying life in a joyful city. Our response to today’s events must be inspired by a desire to make the world a better place, not a thirst for revenge.”

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17 August 2017

The Green Party has accused the Government of ‘moving the goalposts’ in education and called for a rethink of the system on A-level results day.

Vix Lowthion, Green Party education spokesperson, said: 

“As an A-level teacher myself, I know how stressful these exams – particularly these new exams – are for students, and how much work goes into preparing for them. Every result, every grade, has been hard fought for and has its very own story behind it.

“The continuous reduction in the number of students entered for arts and languages at A-level is very concerning. Creativity is a vital part of problem solving, and the arts is a huge industry in the UK. Brexit makes it even more vital to speak a second language. Post-16 education needs to be broader, and support a wider range of skills, if we are to produce well-rounded citizens for the future. 

“The Government’s constant moving of goalposts and changing of the rules of the game have heaped even more uncertainty upon our schools and our young people. We must halt any more hasty changes to exams, and provide better support for teachers in the classroom.”

Notes:

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-40952125

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16 August 2017

The Green Party has accused Theresa May of being a coward for failing to condemn Donald Trump’s reaction to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia [1].

Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, said:

“Theresa May’s failure to condemn Donald Trump’s abhorrent response to the violence in Charlottesville is not only embarrassing but dangerous. We cannot allow fascism to go unchecked.

“Trump’s press conference was a revolting display of hatred legitimised. His attempt to smear the people who stood up to Nazis as violent protesters was shameful. They should be applauded for fighting fascism where the prime minister and the president of the United States have failed to make a stand.

“Now is not the time for hand-holding. Theresa May must stop being cowardly and show zero tolerance for bigotry. Her silence makes her complicit.”

Notes:

1. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/theresa-may-spokesman-comment-condemns-hate-violence-donald-trump-charlottesville-a7893381.html

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15 August 2017

The Green Party has responded to the announcement by David Davis that he is looking to secure a new customs arrangement with the EU in which the UK would maintain the same trading rules for an interim period [1].

Molly Scott Cato MEP, Green Party Brexit spokesperson, said:

“More breath-taking arrogance from the Tories. The belief that Davis can secure a custom-made customs union is both unhelpful and insulting. Why would the EU27 agree to granting a country that is not a member of the club the benefits of membership without restriction?

“This announcement is clearly neither realistic or rational and has more to do with papering over the growing confusion and deep divisions within the Tory Party on how hard, soft, long or short Brexit should be.”

Notes:

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40922177

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