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 

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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

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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.”

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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.”

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23 July 2017

The Green Party has responded to the Government Equalities Office’s announcement of a review of the Gender Recognition Act [1].

Aimee Challenor, Green Party LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, said:

“The Green Party has long maintained the Gender Recognition Act discriminates against some trans people and a review is well overdue. This is a welcome move from the GEO when LGBTIQA+ rights are under unprecedented threat around the world, but we need to make sure the review brings to light the significant flaws in the act and leads to real change.

“We need an overhaul of trans rights in the act in order for it to be fit for purpose. In particular, trans youth and non-binary people need to be able to obtain legal gender recognition. It’s also crucial we remove the medicalisation of the process.”

Notes:

1.       http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40692782 

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