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Jenny Jones calls for reform of police Territorial Support Group
The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that four police officers, accused of a "serious, gratuitous and prolonged" attack on terror suspect Babar Ahmad in December 2003, are to face criminal charges.
The high court was told last year that Ahmad was punched, stamped on, kicked, and strangled during his arrest by officers from one of the Metropolitan Police's territorial support groups (TSG).
The CPS's decision to prosecute came after an independent review by retired senior judge Sir Geoffrey Grigson into the handling of the case.
Jenny Jones, Green Party member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said: "We've known for many years that the TSG has needed reform. There have been consistent allegations of unnecessary aggression and brutality. I, for one, am tired of being assured by senior officers that all force has been 'reasonable' only to find out that it hasn't. It's difficult to believe even today that this same situation couldn't happen again. Urgent reform of the TSG is needed."
Princes Place Community Allotment Project- Build a raised vegetable bed
WinACC AGM - business and social
WinACC's Annual General Meeting on Saturday 2 October will be followed by a social.
Robert Hutchison, WinACC's founder, is stepping down as chairman. This is an opportunity to celebrate his achievements and welcome his successor as chair.
Agenda:10.00: Coffee and tea
10.30: Formal business - presentation of annual report and accounts; appointment of trustees
11.30 approx: Launch of new WinACC membership and pledge
11.45 approx: Social
All welcome, though only WinCC voting members can vote at the AGM.
Green MP prompts parliament to introduce Meat Free Monday
Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP has asked the parliamentary catering authorities to consider introducing Meat Free Monday to the catering outlets in parliament.
The Meat Free Monday campaign, which is being pursued all around the UK by environmental and other groups, is encouraging local authorities, schools and other public and private bodies to allocate one day a week to providing a totally animal-free menu in order to help tackle the world's environmental and other problems.
Caroline Lucas MP explains in her letter:
"Farming and slaughtering animals is now recognised as a significant contributor to today's greatest environmental problems. According to the United Nations, livestock farming could be responsible for up to 18 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the entire transport sector combined. As well as saving carbon, reducing the amount of meat in our diets will also help improve health. (1)
"Parliament could send a powerful message and set a great example by designating one day a week as Meat-Free."
The letter was co-signed by Lib Dem MP John Leech and Labour MP Kerry McCarthy.
"Opt for quality over quantity," say Greens
A Green Party spokesperson said today:
"The central message of the campaign is that one meat-free day a week can make a difference.
"This is not about expecting everyone to become vegetarian or to restrict people's choices, but to spread awareness of the impacts that people's individual and collective choices can make.
"Meat Free Monday is an inventive and useful idea. The Green Party would like to see the UK move towards a situation in which people who choose to eat meat will opt for quality over quantity. A smaller amount of better-quality meat, produced in a sustainable way from animals that are well looked-after, would make for a tastier and healthier diet, better animal welfare and a significant contribution to tackling climate change."
Open GreenHouse
Imagining Here - Weeke Launch
Come and find out about the story of Weeke - what was it like 50 years ago? How will it change in the next 50 years? We're looking for the person who's lived in Weeke the longest to share their memories. They'll be tea, coffee and biscuits and activities for children too.
Imagining Here - Archive Training 1
This is part of the Imagining Here project. If you live in, or have some connection to Weeke, Sutton Scotney and South Wonston, and want to have the opportunity of learning how to use the county archives, then email fiona.handley@winacc.org.uk to reserve a place.
Imagining Here - Archive Training 2
This is part of the Imagining Here project. If you live in, or have some connection to Weeke, Sutton Scotney and South Wonston, and want to have the opportunity of learning how to use the county archives, then email fiona.handley@winacc.org.uk to reserve a place.
Winchester Community Strategy
Thank you to the many WinACC members and supporters who replied to Winchester City Council's consultation on the community strategy. The strategy provides a vision for the future and sets out how Winchester City Council and the other members of the Winchester District Strategic Partnership will improve the quality of life over the next decade. We'll keep you briefed as soon as we know the outcome of the consultation.
If you want occasional WinACC emails with news about the Council and the Strategic Partnership, email "updates" to wdsp@winacc.org.uk.
Winchester 20:20 vision
We need a vision of Winchester in 2020 as a sustainable city where people like to live and work. WinACC would like to develop the practical and affordable themes from the event, ’24 hours to save Winchester’'. The themes picked out by our Transport Group included:
Sustainable community strategy
Winchester City Council is seeking views from anyone who lives or works in the Winchester District to help shape the community strategy. The strategy provides a vision for the future and sets out how Winchester City Council will work with other organisations to improve the quality of life for the district's 110,000 residents over the next decade.
The two priorities in the draft so far are better support and services for older people, and more accessible services for residents across the district. WinACC believes that climate change should be a priority. To give your view click here before 14 August. Please don't be put off by the site - you can just say "yes" and "no" till you get to the most important page about 70% of the way through, headed "Priorities". You can also send your comments to Alison Woods awoods@winchester.gov.uk or write to her at Winchester City Council, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester SO23 9LJ.
Winchester Greeters Scheme
Norwich Greens launch idea of "Open Council"
Norwich Green Party candidates and councillors will take to the streets on Monday to find out from local people how Norwich City Council could be more open and responsive.
At a time when the Council faces difficult decisions, because of budget cuts imposed by the new coalition government, Greens believe it is essential that there is maximum transparency in everything the council does. Councillors need to listen more closely than ever before to what local people say about how the money should be spent.
With Green Party support in Norwich among the strongest in the country, the Norwich Greens could be the largest party on Norwich City Council after the 13-ward local council election on September 9th. The Norwich Green Party is pledging to do all they can to protect front-line services in the face of what has been described as the government’s “blunderbuss” approach to public spending cuts. (1)
At 11:30 on Monday (August 9th), Green Party candidates and councillors will put themselves in the front line of public opinion by setting up an interview point on the corner of St Peter’s Street between the Forum and City Hall.
They will sound out local people on ideas for more openness:
- Should council meetings be taken out to local communities?
- Should there be more "participatory budgeting," where citizens have a direct say in the allocation of part of the Council’s financial resources? (2)
- Should local people be asked for examples of council wastefulness, where money could be saved?
- Should they be able to choose priorities for spending and for cuts?
For those who may not have time to stop and talk, there’ll also be a suggestion box for written ideas that people would like the Greens to consider.
Claire Stephenson, former Green group leader on the council and now seeking re-election, said:“A few weeks ago I persuaded the Council to make the first move towards more openness. Councillors from all parties agreed to improve the system for scrutinising decisions that the ruling Executive councillors take.
"Information about the way the council works and the decisions it makes should be made available to far more people who live in the city.
"Now, with the election coming, we want to show we’re serious about moving further towards the Green vision of a City Council fully open to community participation. Part of that is to find out exactly how the people of Norwich want us to handle the difficult choices ahead, so we’re going out to ask them.”
The "Open Council" initiative is one of three main themes of the Green Party local election manifesto to be launched on Monday.
The Greens also want to take advantage of new arrangements which make it affordable for more households to opt for renewable energy and high-grade insulation to save money on their fuel bills, which can be done either by investing in partnership with energy companies, or by setting up our own Energy Services Company (or "ESCO").
The third strand of the Green manifesto will be a call to support the local economy partly through the "Buy Local" network. (3) This not only encourages Norwich people to seek out locally produced goods and services but also encourages local businesses to sign up others as suppliers.
Notes
1) www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk
2) http://www.participatorybudgeting.org.uk/
3) The full by-election manifesto of the Norwich Greens will be available from Monday at: www.norwichgreenparty.org.uk
Greens celebrate Pride in first Member of Parliament
The Green Party will celebrate their first Member of Parliament, Caroline Lucas, at tomorrow's Pride in Brighton and Hove.
The party's human rights spokesperson, Peter Tatchell, will join the Green Party's float. The theme of this year's Pride is "Pride and No Prejudice."
Caroline Lucas MP said: "It's a privilege to have been elected by the voters of Brighton Pavilion constituency in May, as the country's first Green MP. Part of my job as your MP is to fight for fairness and equality to ensure LGBT people are respected and empowered - which isn't easy anywhere - even in such an LGBT-friendly place as Brighton and Hove.
"Many who identify from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities put their faith in me in May's general election so thank you.
"I'm sorry I can't be at Pride this year, as I was last year, as I have family commitments this time, but I wish you all well on this special day of the year. Have fun and celebrate!"
Phelim Mac Cafferty, National Chair of LGBTGreens added: "We are incredibly proud of the historic achievement of the election of our first MP, Caroline Lucas, and want to thank the people of Brighton Pavilion for putting their trust in us. Caroline has already used her first weeks as an MP to speak out against prejudice and will continue to campaign for LGBT equality. While naturally, we want to emphasise a sustainable approach to Pride we also want to show our gratitude to the people of Brighton Pavilion.
"The float will be built in the form of the Houses of Parliament and has been created according to sustainable standards: all of the wood used for the creation of Parliament is sourced from sustainable sources. While the face of Big Ben will be adorned with solar panels which will power the DJ rig on board the float - using sustainable energy in exactly the way we'd like to see the actual Houses of Parliament powered. The truck will also run on a biodiesel blend. Greens demonstrate in our own small way how alternatives can be found to depleting fossil fuels, and we are confident that because the people of Brighton have elected Caroline that they will share our Pride in pushing for a sustainable future.
Mac Cafferty concluded: "Greens are proud to be once again on the streets celebrating the LGBT communities and we are looking forward to a reflective time but one where we can also enjoy Brighton's biggest, best, free event. As well as having a float on the parade, we will have a community stall in Preston Park where more information about LGBTGreens is available. On behalf of LGBTGreens, can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and sustainable Pride."
Low carbon food - bring and buy, share ideas and a picnic
The next WinACC open meeting has the theme of Low Carbon Food, and will include a bring and buy stall of home-grown produce and a picnic lunch afterwards in Abbey Gardens (unless it rains).
We want to share ideas about low carbon food, share allotment or garden surpluses, and build links across WinACC supporters with an interest in food. All welcome - a good chance to meet new people who share your interest in food.
The time to organise resistance is now
A joint statement, "The time to organise resistance is now," co-signed by Green Party leader Caroline Lucas and 72 others, was published in the Guardian on the 4th of August.
The statement followed the "Can't Pay, Won't Pay" rally in late May 2010, at Conway Hall, London. The statement calls for a "broad movement of active resistance to ... the most savage spending cuts since the 1930s, which will wreck the lives of millions, by devastating our jobs, pay, pensions, NHS, education, transport, postal and other services."
Later, it continued to say, "Corporation tax is being cut, the bank levy is a pittance, and top salaries and bonuses have already been restored to pre-crash levels.An alternative budget would place the banks under democratic control, and raise revenue by increasing tax for the rich, plugging tax loopholes, withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, abolishing the nuclear deterrent by cancelling the Trident replacement."
The full statement can be read at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree
The Green Party, in the 2010 general election, stood in over 300 constituencies around the country, on a platform of fighting inequality, protecting public services, and the creation of an extra million jobs and training places. We supported an immediate £44bn package of measures which would include workforce training, investment in renewables, public transport, insulation, social housing and waste management.
An organising conference for further action against the cuts will be held in late November (27 November 2010, 10am-5pm) at Camden Centre, Town Hall, London, WC1H 9JE.
For further information, see: coalitionofresistance.wordpress.com, or email: coalitionofresistance@mail.com.
Lucas writes to MoD after AWE Aldermaston fire
Caroline Lucas, Green Party leader and MP for Brighton Pavilion, wrote yesterday to Defence Secretary Liam Fox, a day after a fire on Tuesday night at Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston, in Berkshire.
The fire was severe enough for local roads to be cordoned off, and for residents to be evacuated.
AWE Aldermaston is the facility which designs, produces and maintains components for all British nuclear warheads.
In the letter, Lucas asks how the fire started, and if off-site contingency arrangements were put into operation. Lucas also asks for an independent inquiry into the fire, with the results being made fully available to the public.
The full text of the letter follows below.
==
Dear Liam,
re: Fire at AWE Aldermaston, 3 August 2010
I am writing to you about the fire which took place at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston on the night of 3rd August 2010. I understand that the fire was brought under control by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and AWE's own fire crew, and that there were no radiological consequences as a result of the incident. Nevertheless, the matter raises a number of concerns about safety management at AWE and I should be grateful if you would advise me whereabouts on the AWE site the fire commenced, and, in as much as you are able to do so, what the cause of the fire was. In particular, I should be grateful if you would advise as to whether the fire started in one of the hydrodynamics facilities at AWE Aldermaston, or as a result of work on a hydrodynamics experiment.
Please also advise as to whether the AWE Off-Site Contingency Arrangements were put into operation to respond to the incident.
Given public concern about safety standards at AWE, may I request that an independent inquiry is conducted into the fire, and that the results of the inquiry are made fully available to the public.
I also request that operations of the type that led to the fire are halted until the results of the inquiry have been published.
Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Caroline Lucas
Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion
==
Notes
1) A spokesperson for AWE Aldermaston said: "At around 9pm on Tuesday 3 August, a fire broke out in a building within the conventional non-nuclear explosives area of AWE Aldermaston. AWE's fire and rescue service were quickly on the scene and were supported by Royal Berkshire firefighters. One member of AWE staff received minor injuries in the incident and was treated... on the site. As a precautionary measure, a 600 metre cordon was set up around the building and a small number of local residents were evacuated overnight from their homes in the Red Lane area. A full investigation in the causes of the incident, which has no radiological implications, will be undertaken."
Hunger strike at Campsfield Detention Centre
Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, said today that: "It is not surprising that detainees at Campsfield are protesting. Unlike convicted criminals, who at least know the length of their sentence, those in administrative detention at places like Campsfield often have no end-date in site. It is well-documented that such uncertainty damages mental health and increases tension.
"Detainees can find themselves transferred between centres with no warning, so lose contact with those handling their cases - increasing the pressure. Add to that the recent Government cuts in legal assistance which mean even longer delays for individuals, it's not surprising we are seeing protests.
"This Government's decision to end the detention of children is welcome. It could cut the misery for countless others by restricting adminstrative detention to the small number of cases where it might be strictly necessary, for public safety, for example; restoring effective legal aid and providing a legal status for those unable to return to their country-of-origin." (1)
A statement from the inmates said some people had been detained for more than three years at immigration removal centres across the country with "no prospect of removal or any evidence of future release."
Notes
1) The last report from HMIP on Campsfield said that:
"It was difficult for detainees to gain legal advice and representation from local solicitor firms. While an updated list of solicitors was available in the library, only six of the 26 firms listed accepted legal aid work and only one of these was a local firm in Oxford. The majority of detainees who made a faxed request for assistance from firms on the list did not receive a response. In addition, the local firm was oversubscribed, with 23 detainees waiting to be seen at the time of the inspection. This led to delays of several weeks for an appointment and often resulted in the detainee no longer being at the centre by the appointment time. According to local solicitors, the lack of local legal representation continued to stem from unsatisfactory funding of immigration detention work by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). The withdrawal of two LSC tender processes for immigration detention contracts in recent years and the uncertainty of any future contract being put forward for tendering meant that the ability to set up a dedicated team within firms to cover the level of demand was severely limited."
Evidence for climate change
What do you say if you encounter someone who denies that global warming is real, or rejects the evidence that it is caused by human activities, or is simply sceptical about these statements? For some suggestions, take a look at our "Seven near certainties of climate change". We also recommend the 2009 "State of the Climate" report by NOAA for the latest information about what's happening to our climate.
Norwich Greens launch bid to be largest party on council
The Norwich Green Party launches its bid today to become the largest party on their city council, in by-elections for 13 wards that will take place on the 9th September. Five of their 13 candidates have previous experience as a city councillor, three as Greens, and one each with Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
The Norwich Greens doubled their vote share, and had the 2nd highest Green vote in the country, in Norwich South in the general election. For the last two years, the Greens have been the second largest party on Norwich City Council with 13 councillors, just two behind Labour's 15.
If the Green Party becomes the largest party on the city council after the 9th September, this will be a first, for any Green group, on any council in the UK.
Graeme Gee, a former Labour councillor, will stand as a Green Party candidate in Mancroft ward. [1] He said: "The Green Party is the party with the ideas and the passion to guide Norwich through these tough economic times. I am pleased to be standing for the council again with a party that will really look out for the interests of Norwich residents. I have already been out talking to people about the issues that matter to them, and I'm looking forward to being able to work on their behalf if elected."
Paul McAlenan is a builder and former Liberal Democrat councillor who lives with his family in Norwich [2]. Paul has been a campaigner on key local and environmental issues for over 20 years. He is now standing for the Green Party in Crome ward. He said: "I've been impressed by what the Green Party has achieved in Norwich and am pleased to be its candidate in Crome. I look forward to working hard with my Green colleagues to achieve a greener future for Norwich."
Adrian Ramsay, Norwich city councillor and deputy leader of the Green Party, said: "It is fantastic that our list of candidates contains so much talent and experience. Across the city, people from all walks of life are coming over to the Green Party. They realise that we offer a real alternative that puts fairness to all people at its heart."
Amongst the other Green Party candidates are Jessica Goldfinch, Steven Altman, and Claire Stephenson as former Green Party councillors [3]; Jo Henderson, a successful local businesswoman; Lesley Grahame, who works as a nurse; and Jean Bishop, a horticulturalist who runs her own business.
Notes
[1] Graeme was a Labour councillor on Norwich City Council for eight years ending in 1996. During that time he served on planning, leisure and community services, finance, personnel, and economic development committees.
[2] Paul was a Liberal Democrat councillor on Norwich City Council between 1999 and 2004. During that time, Paul was particularly involved with the Planning Committee and worked to promote sustainable building and modern architecture.
[3] Jessica Goldfinch was a Green Party Councillor in Nelson ward between 2003 and 2006. During that time she was the party's housing spokesperson, and chair of the Licensing Committee. Steven Altman was a Green Party Councillor in Mancroft ward between 2006 and 2007. Claire Stephenson was until recently Leader of the Opposition on the City Council. She also chaired the Scrutiny Committee. If re-elected, she is expected to become leader of the Green group of councillors on the council again.
Labour and the Green Party start the Norwich by-election campaign with 9 councillors, while the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have only 4 each.
The full list of Green Party candidates:
Jean Bishop (Bowthorpe)
Rebecca Lewis-Smith (Catton Grove)
Paul McAlenan (Crome)
Nick Clinch (Eaton)
Kit Jones (Lakenham)
Graeme Gee (Mancroft)
Jo Henderson (Mile Cross)
Claire Stephenson (Nelson)
Jessica Goldfinch (Sewell)
Lesley Grahame (Thorpe Hamlet)
Ash Haynes (Town Close)
Sue Carpenter (University)
Steven Altman (Wensum)
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