26 April 2022

After Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy warns that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is just the beginning and that Putin may seek to capture other countries [1], the Green Party has expressed its solidarity with the people of Moldova, a country on the frontline of Russian aggression. 

Michal Chantkowski, Green Party activist, said:

“We strongly support the territorial integrity of Moldova and the country’s right to self-determination, including the right to apply to join the European Union. We call on the UK government to restate its support for Moldova’s independence and to provide support for democratic civil society organisations within the country.”

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine already resulting in over 435,000 people fleeing to Moldova [2], the Green Party has also demanded the UK government accept more Ukrainian refugees, including providing safe routes for those currently in Moldova to resettle in the UK.

Mr Chantkowski continued:

“We demand the UK government offer safe passage to many more Ukrainian refugees. This must also include citizens of countries other than Ukraine who are fleeing from Putin’s illegal war.

“Moldova is a country with only limited means to support people fleeing war, so we also call for financial and material help to be provided to public and civil society organisations in Moldova who are bearing the brunt of providing emergency support to the refugees.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Moldova and we commend their generosity and selflessness in the face of the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in neighbouring Ukraine.”

Notes

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/23/zelenskiy-warns-ukraine-invasion-only-the-beginning-as-russia-signals-southern-push

[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60555472 

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19 April 2022

Responding to the Government’s announcement that some train fares will be cut for a five-week period from April to May, Green Party deputy leader Amelia Womack said,

“This slapdash pledge won’t counter the decade of soaring rail costs. Covering only off-peak travel and failing to cover half-term mean that those most squeezed by rail price hikes won’t see the benefits of this scheme. If the government really wanted to help those facing rising prices they would force rail companies to permanently cut commuter fares.”

“In France [1], Germany [2] and New Zealand [3], governments are taking bold action to cap rail fares at a price that is affordable for everyone. The UK should be following that lead and going further by permanently bringing down rail prices on routes that people use consistently.To truly reduce the cost of living and ensure that the greenest option is the cheapest option, we have to reduce fares for all train users, including commuters.

“We also need investment in reliable and affordable buses, which have been woefully neglected by this Government. Scotland, where the Greens have introduced free bus travel for under-22s, shows that free bus travel is possible and effective [4]. Bus services are facing meltdown unless there is a rapid and urgent increase to funding to build back passenger numbers after the pandemic.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1 

Rail travel in the Greater Paris area has been capped at €5 (excluding airport travel). https://www.thelocal.fr/20220307/rail-travel-in-greater-paris-area-capped-at-e5-per-ticket/ 

2 

Germany is offering all citizens the use of regional transport for only €9 per month for three months. https://www.thelocal.de/20220324/german-taxpayers-to-receive-e300-lump-sum-for-energy-costs/ 

3 

New Zealand is reducing public transport fares by 50% for a similar period. https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/news/road-user-charging-tolling/new-zealand-halves-public-transport-fares-amid-global-energy-price-increases.html 

4

https://greens.scot/news/the-scottish-green-budget-deal-2021-22

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14 April 2022

Responding to the government’s plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said:

“This is absolutely no way to treat people who are seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. This inhumane policy is yet another sign that the UK government is turning into an authoritarian regime that appears unconcerned with whether or not it remains within  the rule of law domestically and internationally.

“It is horrifying that Boris Johnson would commend such a cruel proposal, which could very well break international law as well as being costly and ineffective, simply as a way to appease the Tory backbenchers and divert attention from his own criminality. 

“The decision to send those seeking sanctuary to Rwanda, a country with an appalling human rights record [1], seems to be nothing more than an unspeakably cruel attempt at distracting people from the Prime Minister’s law-breaking and lies surrounding partygate.

”Sacrificing innocent bystanders to defend the leader is a technique typical of authoritarian regimes. Ministers, spokespeople and civil servants have all been sacrificed and now the most vulnerable people seeking asylum are being added to the list. That in itself demonstrates that the Tories are not fit to govern.”

ENDS

Notes 

1

https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/09/27/how-does-paul-kagame-rwandas-president-get-away-with-it

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12 April 2022

Responding to Downing Street’s confirmation that both Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Chancellor Rishi Sunak will be fined for attending parties during lockdown[1], Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:

“There is nowhere left for Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak to hide. They both broke the very laws they made to try and keep this country safe in a pandemic and must now resign.

“This is a damning indictment of the reckless culture of a Conservative Party and Prime Minister that consider themselves untouchable.

“During lockdown, people throughout the country were making unimaginable sacrifices, yet Boris Johnson and his chums thought they could act with apparent impunity, regardless of what they were asking others to do.

“Not only is this a cruel and callous way to run a government, it also shows that throughout the Conservative Party there runs a streak of sheer contempt for the vast majority of us. 

“The only way either Boris Johnson or Rishi Sunak can maintain a shred of decency is to apologise for the harm caused and step aside.”

ENDS

Notes

1

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-61083402

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5 April 2022

Responding to news that the Government has ordered a new report into the impact of fracking, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said: 

“Fracking will only deepen our country’s dependence on fossil fuels, will not bring down fuel bills for people who are struggling, and will cause yet more damage to local communities and to the climate.

“The most effective and sustainable way of bringing down the cost of living is to invest in insulating houses and massively ramping up renewable energy. Fracking is an expensive and dangerous distraction from that urgent goal.”

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