17 February 2023

With England facing hundreds more cuts to bus services due to the ending of government support [1], the Green Party is calling for the introduction of a £1 single fare on all routes across the country. 

Coined, ‘A One Pound Fare to Take You There,’ the policy seeks to increase usage of buses – passenger levels in most areas have never fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. 

The Greens are also calling for free bus travel for everyone under 21, and protection of existing schemes such as free local bus travel for over 60s in many areas.

They say these incentives must be coupled with huge investment in new buses and bus services and to ensure there are no cuts to existing services. They also want to re-regulate bus services with all regions operating a franchise system, where local authorities determine routes and frequencies, as is currently the case in London and Manchester. 

The Green Party say they would pay for bus service improvements by scrapping the £27bn road building programme – diverting this money to public transport – and allocating a proportion of their proposed carbon tax [2] to fund the £1 fare and free travel for under 21s.

Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said:

“A One Pound Fare to Take You There scheme and free travel for under 21s must be combined with major investment in buses and bus services to boost bus travel across England. 

“We also need our buses to work for people, not the profit of large private bus companies. This is why Greens want to see greater powers for local councils to set routes and frequencies rather than private companies cherry-picking the profitable routes while leaving other passengers out in the cold and some communities completely cut off. 

“Subsidising public transport can result in savings elsewhere, cutting the costs of congestion, reducing health costs associated with air pollution and helping tackle carbon emissions and the huge costs we will incur from the climate crisis.”

Green Party councillor Ellie Chowns, Cabinet Member for Environment and Economy on Herefordshire council, which introduced free weekend buses using Covid recovery funds [3], said:

“Low cost, or even free buses, is not pie in the sky. Here in Herefordshire we had a hugely successful trial of free weekend buses using Covid recovery funds. 

“Across Europe low cost and free buses are a reality in many places too. Germany is introducing  a heavily discounted monthly transportation pass; Luxembourg offers nationwide free public transport and the French city of Dunkirk provides free buses and trains which has led to less traffic and discouraged car use [4]. 

“Low cost or free public transport is all about political choices. We can pay for high quality public transport by scrapping the damaging road building programme and diverting this money to public transport, and allocating a proportion of our proposed carbon tax policy into funding the One Pound Fare to Take You There scheme.”

Notes

[1] Warning hundreds of England bus services face cuts – BBC News

[2] Greens call on government to bring in carbon tax at COP26 | The Green Party

[3] FREE Bus Travel in Herefordshire on Weekends – Hereford City Council

[4] Free public transport gains traction in Europe – DW – 06/05/2022

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10 February 2023

The Green Party has announced Zoë Garbett will be its candidate for the Mayor of London next year as she set out her vision for a Green London in 2024.

Zoë spoke of her plans to make London a Greener, fairer city with measures including free bus travel for young people and cleaner ways to use Silvertown Tunnel.

The Greens are London’s third party, and the first to select both a candidate for the Mayor of London and candidates for the London-wide Assembly list after a selection process culminating in early February.

Zoë, a councillor for the Dalston ward in Hackney, previously ran for Mayor of Hackney in 2022 where she came second.

Zoë said:

“I’m overjoyed to have been chosen to be the Green Party’s candidate for London Mayor and want to say a huge thank you to Greens across London who have selected me – I’ve been overwhelmed with the support and I can’t wait to start this campaign.

“I’m also delighted to be standing with so many fantastic Greens for the Assembly- I’d like to thank everyone who put themselves forward, with so many great candidates the competition was tough – this shows what an exciting future we have ahead of us as a Party.

“I got into politics because I cannot sit by and watch issues and people being ignored. Greens are compassionate, proactive and incredibly hard working. And with the multiple crises we are facing – the cost of living and housing crisis, the crisis in our workforce and of course the climate crisis – the need for more elected Greens has never been more urgent.

“Everyday, Greens are putting our values into practice – and people like what they see. Just imagine what a Green-powered London could look like!

“We have the energy, ideas & candidates to run our most ambitious campaign yet – not just to set the agenda but to turn city hall Green in 2024.”

Zoë added that she would continue the current work of the Green Party in London to tackle issues across the city: “Londoners need a campaigning mayor – who will stand up for them, fight back against austerity and fight for more rights. This includes more devolved powers to London but more importantly – more power for residents over decisions made about their lives, homes and communities. We understand the issues facing Londoners. We are ready to take action. It’s time for political change and we are ready.”

Sian Berry, the Green Party’s candidate for Mayor of London in 2016 and 2021, supported Zoë in this year’s internal campaign.

Speaking before the event, Sian said: “I am delighted Zoë was selected as the Green Party candidate for this vitally important role. She is a real talent, a breath of fresh air, and the best choice London could make for 2024.”

Notes:

1. Zoë won the internal selection with 51.2 percent of first preference votes, standing against two other internal candidates.

2. Members also selected the following as Green Party candidates on the London Assembly List: 
Sian Berry
Caroline Russell
Zack Polanski
Zoë Garbett
Benali Hamdache
Scott Ainslie
Ria Patel
Nate Higgins
Claire Sheppard
Shahrar Ali
Pete Elliot

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9 February 2023

Responding to Downing Street’s revelation that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak flew from Dorset to London and London to Cornwall in the space of 24 hours, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer said: 

“The Prime Minister seems incapable of understanding just how damaging his personal addiction to flying such short distances so regularly is to his government’s stated aim of tackling the climate crisis. Private jets are up to 14 times more polluting than commercial flights and 50 times more polluting than taking a train. He should be showing some leadership in reducing his carbon footprint, instead he is insulting everyone who is trying to do their bit for the environment.” 

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7 February 2023

*Demand to end all fossil fuel subsidies and windfall tax loopholes

*Call for carbon tax to fund renewable energy and home insulation

With the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero launched [1] on the day BP has announced record profits [2] and greenhouse gas emissions are confirmed to have increased by 5% between 2020 and 2021 [3], the Green Party has called for the new department to “genuinely focus all its energy on achieving Net Zero”.

The Party’s co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, has called for a carbon tax in order to move the ‘grotesque profits’ of fossil fuel companies into funding a huge push towards renewable energy and a mass home insulation programme.  

Ramsay said:

“Having dumped the Department of Energy and Climate Change some seven years ago, the Tories have decided to resurrect it in a new guise: the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. This department must genuinely focus all its energy on achieving Net Zero. It must stop all fossil fuel subsidies and end the perverseness of allowing energy companies to avoid windfall taxes on their grotesque profits by investing in further exploitation of oil and gas reserves.

“A carbon tax is one of the greatest levers we can apply to help shift us towards the clean green economy we need in order to cut climate wrecking emissions and create a fairer healthier society [4]. Companies like BP, Shell and other big polluters have been responsible for three quarters of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988 [5]. A carbon tax would target these big polluters and provide the funding to move us towards a renewable energy economy and a mass home insulation programme. This would cut domestic energy bills and keep people warm.”

Notes  

[1] Sunak reshuffle: Shapps named energy secretary in department shake-up – BBC News 

[2] BP scales back climate targets as profits hit record – BBC News  

[3] UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2021: summary (publishing.service.gov.uk)

[4] Greens call on government to bring in carbon tax at COP26 | The Green Party

[5] Just 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions, study says | Guardian sustainable business | The Guardian

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This week is National Apprenticeship Week – an annual celebration of apprentices around the country. To mark the occasion, Donna and Tom share their experience of completing a digital degree whilst working at DVLA.

Who are you and how long have you worked at DVLA?

Donna: My name is Donna and I’m a Lead Security Operations Centre (SOC) Specialist at DVLA. I’ve worked at the agency since I was 17, joining as a Contact Centre Advisor and progressing into cyber security in 2017.

Tom: My name is Tom and I’m a Senior SOC Specialist at DVLA. I’ve worked at DVLA for 7 years, with 5 of those on my current team within cyber security.

How did you begin your digital degree whilst working at DVLA?

Donna: When I found out that the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) was launching computing degrees in partnership with the Welsh Government, I was keen to learn more. The Computer Networks and Cyber Security degree perfectly complimented my role at DVLA.

As I had previously completed an apprenticeship, I understood that this would be a big commitment and would take a lot of work on my part.

We were the first cohort so it was a completely new experience. The apprenticeship required us to attend university one day a week, and we had access to training resources such as Udemy which allowed us to complete additional learning.

Tom: During my first year on the Cyber Security team, I became aware of an opportunity to join the Digital Degree Apprenticeship Scheme with UWTSD. I put in an expression of interest to my managers and was successful in gaining a place. I began my digital degree in September 2018, and it took me 4 years to complete.

I found it challenging to study alongside work, however DVLA allowed me one day a week to attend university lectures, which was a big help.

What have you learned throughout your degree?

Donna: The degree was a great opportunity to build on my existing knowledge and learn new disciplines. Whilst I had existing knowledge of cyber security, the course also included a number of computer networks modules which I thoroughly enjoyed.

A lot of work in the final year focused on device configuration. Due to restrictions, we were tasked with using simulated labs rather than real-life hardware. I embraced the change and really enjoyed the challenge of using simulated labs. This experience enabled me to learn even more skills, and the university provided us with additional resources to support us.

Tom: The flexibility of the degree allowed me to explore modules that I had a keen interest in. With the support of my managers, I was able to pursue areas that allowed me to build a strong skillset beneficial to myself and my team, whilst making my experience on the degree enjoyable.

Not only did I expand my knowledge in the field of cyber security, but I also enhanced my soft skills. I remained focused by keeping my eye on the final goal and made sure to plan my days efficiently, whilst still making time for my personal life. This is a technique I now use in my day-to-day life to self-motivate whenever faced with challenges.

How has the degree assisted your career progression?

Donna: The knowledge I’ve gained throughout the degree has assisted my overall understanding of the agency’s network and has improved the advice and guidance I give. I’m able to identify training opportunities for team members to further enhance ways of working and strengthen our team capability.

Tom: Throughout the degree, I’ve been fortunate to achieve 2 promotions. The ability to discuss topics I’ve worked on throughout my course has given me an extra skillset that I’m able to bring forward in applications and interviews.

Due to the variety of topics covered, I’ve been able to explore many related areas of study alongside my main role and bring new ideas into my work.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience?

Donna: I enjoyed meeting new people from other companies with varying levels of experience in the topics we covered. It was great to share ideas and support each other throughout the 4 years.

Tom: I’ve enjoyed learning new skills that apply directly to my work as it has built my confidence and strengthened my abilities. On a personal level, overcoming competing demands in my life whilst still being able to succeed has given me a great sense of achievement.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a digital degree?

Donna: Unlike traditional learning, a digital degree apprenticeship lets you use your skills in the real world as you’re learning. You can develop at a faster pace and it gives you real context to what you’ve learned. The best advice I could give to anyone starting a digital degree apprenticeship is to make sure you manage your time between work, home life, and university.

Tom: I think a digital degree apprenticeship is a great option for those looking for a less traditional approach to study. By completing the course alongside work, you’re able to support yourself whilst working towards your development and growing the abilities of your team with your new skillset.

Take a look at our apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to develop and nurture new talent. Our Centre of Digital Excellence development programmes are based on this principle and combine learning opportunities alongside ‘real world’ work experience.

Explore what DVLA’s development programmes have to offer and sign up to Civil Service Jobs for future opportunities.

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