Kent Green Party - One World. Once Chance.

News from Kent Greens

Recent news from Kent Green Party. For older items visit our news blog. For a selection of our recent letters to the press, visit our letters page here.

BIG SOCIETY, BIG ALIBI
Fri, 23 Jul 2010
Cameron's 'Big Society' policy will be disastrous for Kent and Medway and will contribute to pushing unemployment even higher, say Kent Green Party. They claim that Government announcements earlier this week and in the Budget will lead to soaring unemployment and job-cutting privatisation[1]. They are concerned that the idea will lead to greater inequality. Simon Marchant comments:

"Cameron's idea that people should be setting up charities and social enterprise companies to run services that should be provided by the State will mean poorer services in all areas. What happens where there are shortages of volunteers? With Kent and Medway unemployment twice as high as two years ago[2], we need jobs. We do to tax fairly and to close tax havens, actions which if taken would generate more resources and prevent spending cuts and job losses.

"Two years ago 56 post offices were closed across the County[3]. Now Cameron wants unemployed people to reopen them with little help from Government. This is at a time when start up capital for new enterprises is very difficult to obtain. More recently the cuts in the Police force have seen the loss of 200 training places[4]. These are essential jobs but is Government suggesting that these should be covered by volunteers?
Areas that are already more deprived will simply not be able to take on the role of the State in providing services themselves(5). The funding simply won't be there and we will see further inequality.

"The 'Big Society' idea is simply an alibi for privatisation and a refusal by the Conservatives and Lib Dems to provide a fair and equitable distribution of essential services."
Ends
Further information: Simon Marchant on 01634 313482. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe and published by Kent Green Party both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. Research for this release partly provided by Stuart Jeffery.

Notes:
1. The Governments current proposals will cost 600,000 public sector jobs over a five year period PLUS about 600,000 private sector job losses as people lose their jobs and cut their household spending. Further cuts being suggested will increase these figures.
2. Unemployment / claimant count for Kent and Medway: June 2010 - 32062; June 2008 - 16952
3.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7130545.stm
4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-10669429
5. New Economics Foundation Ten Questions about the Big Society - http://www.neweconomics.org/sites/neweconomics.org/files/Ten_Big_Questions_about_the_Big_Society.pdf (2010) &
New Economics Foundation Filling the Gap: why enterprise based regeneration is not working http://www.neweconomics.org/sites/neweconomics.org/files/Filling_the_Jobs_Gap.pdf (2010)

Other references on the topic:
Liverpool - http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/reality-of-the-big-society-dawns-on-liverpool-2031237.html
Is there room for art in B Society - http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/christina-patterson/christina-patterson-is-there-room-for-art-in-the-big-society-2031075.html
What does "ultra-local power" mean - http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23858066-can-david-camerons-big-society-reach-londons-poorest.do
Successful Big Society type projects - http://davidbarrie.typepad.com/david_barrie/2010/07/building-public-association-build-the-big-society.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/letters/letters-big-society-2031148.html
Big Society insurance - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/7900957/Big-Society-insurance-policy-to-be-launched.html
Steve Richards - "But what if the Big Society doesn't work? While the over-riding motive is not directly connected to our economic situation, lack of resources is why the vision is so limited"
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/steve-richards/steve-richards-but-what-if-the-big-society-doesnt-work-2030413.html

Transcript of Cameron speech - http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/2010/07/big-society-speech-53572

Also:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/07/20/the-big-con-115875-22425836/
http://dizzythinks.net/2010/07/gordon-camerons-big-social-investment.html
http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/6151658/the-return-of-the-big-society.thtml

GOOD EGGS!
Thu, 22 Jul 2010
Kent Green Party would like to congratulate Kent County Council on the recent award of a 'Good Egg' by Compassion in World Farming.(1) Steve Campkin, Kent Green Party Animal Rights spokesperson says:

"Kent Green Party would like to congratulate Kent County Council on the recent award of a 'Good Egg' by Compassion in World Farming.(1) Only 38 Councils around the UK were given 'Good Egg' awards for sourcing all their eggs from cage free hens. Caged hens are kept in appalling conditions and suffer considerable physical and mental distress leading to feather pecking and, in extreme cases, cannibalism.
"Committing to only buying eggs from cage free hens puts pressure on egg producers to discontinue these cruel practices.

"The Green Party notes that, although several District or Borough Councils were also given Good Egg awards, none of these were from Kent. We are asking District Councils within Kent to follow the example of Kent County Council and agree to source their eggs only from cage free hens."

ends c 168 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steven Campkin - Phone no 07964 867589

Kent Green Party Campaigns Officer on Animal Rights
37 Beecholme Drive
Kennington
Ashford
Kent
TN24 9AA

http://www.greenparty.org.uk
http://www.kentgreenparty.org
http://www.ashfordgreens.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/steve.campkin
http://www.stevencampkin.blogspot.com ...Thinking Allowed?


1 http://www.ciwf.org.uk/news/laying_hens/uk_councils_receive_good_egg_awards.aspx

FREE RAIL TRAVEL FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Fri, 16 Jul 2010
Kent Green Party believes that free bus travel for the over-60s in England and Wales should be extended to cover train travel too(1). Ian McDonald, Transport Campaigns Officer for Kent Green Party comments:

"In areas outside the larger cities, bus travel options in the evenings and on Sundays are either limited or completely unavailable. Meanwhile train services more commonly run throughout the evenings and on Sundays, and for many public transport users represent the only way to get around.

"The Green Party believes that free bus travel for the over-60s in England and Wales should be extended to cover train travel too. This would enable the elderly to travel free in the evenings and on Sundays in many more areas, and also relieve pressure on some of the busiest daytime bus services. As an experiment we recommend an initial trial in the South East of the UK where evening train services are comprehensive and where a further reduction of road traffic would be an environmental benefit. We accept that an annual charge of perhaps £12.50 per annum would be needed to cover administrative costs and to discourage applicants who would hardly use it."

"This proposal would offset some of the future expected worsening of living costs for pensioners while removing many reluctant drivers from the roads, and reducing pressure on the roads and improving air quality and cutting greenhouse gas emissions."
Ends c237 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Ian McDonald, Transport Campaigns Officer, Kent Green Party on 01622 203651 or 0783 757 3227. Contact address as above.

Notes:
1. This proposal was backed by Caroline Lucas, formerly Green Party MEP for the Green Party, now MP for Brighton Pavilion. This campaign effort has been initiated and led by Harry Farrow of Rainham - 01795 421918.

BETTER SCHOOLS FOR ALL - NOT ACADEMIES
Wed, 14 Jul 2010
Kent Green Party believes that the current enthusiasm for Academy schools is misplaced and will lead to more control over education by Government. Stuart Jeffery, Campaigns Officer of Kent Green Party, comments:

"The move towards academy schools in Kent and Medway will widen the educational gap between rich and poor. There is no intention to properly resource schools in areas with the greatest needs under this scheme. Under targeted policies, there would be far more assurance that lessons meet the needs of the children and society and assurance that children are not cherry picked to make schools look good.
Education is a basic right and one that must be protected, governed properly and accountable, not privatised and made unaccountable.

"The Government's claim that academies are raising standards is not proven. Covert and overt admissions and exclusion practices enable academies to skew their intakes in favour of those from higher-achieving backgrounds. Local authorities can 'direct' maintained schools to accept special needs children but can only 'ask' academies. There is also increasing evidence of academies excluding more children than maintained schools.

"Furthermore, academies are not covered by general education law which means that their students and parents have fewer rights than those of schools in the maintained sector. The sponsoring body of any academy has the power to appoint the majority of governors. Academies have high staff turnover rates, and staff in academies can be prey to discriminatory employment practices. Teachers and support staff working in academies deserve the same protection as those working in the maintained sector. (3)
"While Michael Gove as Secretary of State for Education is slashing the rebuilding of hundreds of schools around the country he is promising extra money for any school that becomes an Academy. The divisive nature of this highlights our concerns about the tendency towards greater social segregation. We are also concerned that the government will use the October comprehensive spending review to put academies and 'free' schools at the top of the priority list." Ends

FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery on 0797 0436 029 or 01622 808370. Contact address as above. Kent Green Party acknowledges the contribution of Martin Francis, Brent Green Party Spokesperson on Children, Families and Schools, to research for this release. Published by Kent Green Party and Promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:
1. Research by Stephen Machin and James Bernoit of the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics (reported in Evening Standard, 12th July 2010.
2. Further information available at: http://www.antiacademies.org.uk/Home/why-we-oppose-academies
3. Readers are advised to write to their MP: *EDM 135* Please ask your MP to add their name to this Early Day Motion. Currently 68 MPs have signed it. EDM 135 PROPOSED ACADEMIES LEGISLATION 02.06.2010 To write directly to your local MP on amending the Academies Bill to ensure proper consultation go to the 38 Degrees Site

CUTTING CLIMATE CHANGE DENIAL IS GOOD FOR KENT
Sat, 10 Jul 2010
Scientists accused of falsifying evidence about Climate Change at the University of East Anglia have had their science validated by a third investigation. As Dr Geoff Meaden notes, this is good news for Kent and Medway:
"With a huge proportion of very low lying land, Kent and Medway are at the frontline of climate change in the UK. Effects upon our coastline and estuaries will be significant even with a minimal rise in sea levels. We are already experiencing an increase in extreme weather events, as predicted by climate change specialists. So it is good news that the scientists at the University of East Anglia, who had been accused of falsifying their research on climate change, have now had their science vindicated.
"This means that, once again, those who attempt to deny climate change have failed to overturn the scientific consensus. Our agriculture, biodiversity, water supplies and our coastline will all be dramatically and adversely influenced over the coming decades unless we cut greenhouse gas emissions. The present rates of emission reduction are far less than is needed, and we now know that governments have to act with the greatest sense of urgency. People in Kent and Medway need to recognise their particular interest in preventing dangerous climate change. As economists have demonstrated, a reduction in emissions is a lot cheaper than attempting to adapt to climate change."
Ends c235 words

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Geoff Meaden - 01227 752275. Geoff Meaden is a Principal Lecturer Emeritus in Biogeography.

Promoted by H.Dawe and Published by Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

CREATING MORE POVERTY IN KENT AND MEDWAY
Fri, 09 Jul 2010
Kent Green Party is concerned by new reports(1) indicating how the Coalition Government's policies hurt the poorest households in Kent and Medway most. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:

"People receiving benefits have already seen their purchasing power drop in recent years. Freezing child benefit, cutting housing benefit and refusing to link the minimum wage of £5.80 per hour to inflation mean that low income households will become worse off in real terms year after year.

"Research shows that recent budget will cut the income of the least well off households by about 21.7% of household income whilst wealthier households will only lose 3.6%. (2)

"In practice, this means that the poorest households in each part of Kent and Medway will cut their spending with local businesses. This will mean job losses in the private sector, particularly in retail. Kent Green Party notes it would be far more prudent to raise the minimum wage, to keep people working in public services and to sustain local economies. The savage and irresponsible cuts in public spending this Coalition has chosen will not help local businesses. There is simply no need to repeat the cuts and unemployment of the 1980s when a fairer tax system and higher minimum incomes could protect both jobs and services. Why does this Coalition want to penalise the poor?"

ends c 224 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party: 01732 355185 or 079444 71083. Contact address as above. Published for Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:
1. Reports from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
2. Households with under £14,200 income each year will lose 21.7%, whilst households with earnings of over £49,700 will lose just 3.6%.

THE GREAT RAIL FARE ROBBERY
Tue, 29 Jun 2010
Kent Green Party notes that the Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond, is proposing to remove the current system which links rail fares to inflation. Steve Dawe comments:

"We already have the highest rail fares in the world here in the UK. Proposed rail fare increases of 6% for January 2011 could be increased to 10% or more if the Government removes controls on rail fares. We have previously seen how substantial fares for new High Speed rail services have resulted in low take up by rail travellers in Kent. If commuters despair of the ticket prices and take to the roads, then the traffic congestion, noise and air pollution in many Kent communities will obviously get worse. We need an integrated approach to transport.

"Rail fares should be cut, to increase passenger numbers and to help keep congestion and pollution down. Suggestions of delays to the delivery of new carriages should be abandoned. Supporting increased rail use is a clear priority if the Government means what it says about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Railways are not a sensible area for cuts. Additional taxation is possible - on cigarettes, alcohol and the highest incomes as examples - and should have been achieved in the recent budget. There is always an alternative to misdirected cuts in public spending and justifiable increased spending on the railway system is a clear example."

Ends c234 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Published by H.Dawe and promoted for Kent Green Party, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF

BUDGET: A FAIR TAX SYSTEM IS NEEDED, NOT CUTS
Wed, 23 Jun 2010
Kent Green Party condemns the completely avoidable cuts in the recent budget. Steve Dawe comments:

"The Coalition Government's Budget cuts will drive unemployment up. Every part of Kent and Medway will lose public sector jobs. Front-line jobs are threatened in the NHS, Policing, local government and in Higher Education. Every job lost is spending lost to the local economy. Canterbury, where 4 out of every 10 jobs are in the public sector, will be badly hit. Margate, with the highest number of empty shop fronts in the country already, will lose more businesses as public sector workers lose jobs and cut spending.

"There are alternatives: fair taxation is one. Tax those who can easily bear the costs: the richest fifth of household who pay less in tax as a proportion of their income than the bottom fifth. Uncollected tax is running at over £60 billion a year and we do not have enough tax officials to collect it. We need higher council tax bands for the highest paid(2). We can tax flying, petrol, the use of coal and unearned income far more than we do at present. Public spending on roads and overseas defence commitments can be scaled down to a minimum. Investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, education and training can all yield substantial long-term employment and environmental benefits(1).

"At present, we have a Government which penalises the poorest with benefit cuts and freezes and threatens us with a rapid rise in unemployment(3). No one voted for this." Ends c 257 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 and 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Promoted for Kent Green Party and Published by H. Dawe, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:
1. The work of the New Economics Foundation, the Green New Deal Group and reports done for the Green Party have demonstrated this conclusively. See for example: http://www.financeforthefuture.com/TaxBriefing.pdf
2. The Government's freeze on Council Tax will add to pressure on local government front-line services which are already being crippled by cuts.
3. Our pensioners are the poorest in the industrialised world; one in five of our children is living in poverty, so freezing child benefit will make this worse. Cuts in welfare spending have been criticised by homelessness charity, Shelter. There is nothing in the Budget which indicates how the social housing needs of about 36,000 households in Kent (1.5 million households in the UK) will be met.

NEW GREEN MEP PAYS SURPRISE VISIT TO KENT GREENS
Sun, 20 Jun 2010
After the election of Green MEP Caroline Lucas to Parliament, her replacement Keith Taylor has now been sworn in as a Member of the European Parliament. Keith, a councillor from Brighton, will be serving on the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committees and its Supermarket Inter-Group, looking at the dominance of supermarkets in the European retail sector. Keith was able to make a surprise visit to the Kent Green Party meeting held at Wye, on 19th June. He emphasised that he saw his role as:

"Making a positive difference to people's lives" and in the current difficult economic climate, continuing to advocate "social justice."

More details about Keith Taylor and his work can be found at: http://www.keithtaylormep.org.uk/

Keith has already taken a lead in supporting campaigning efforts to meet social housing needs in the South East: http://www.keithtaylormep.org.uk/2010/06/11/new-south-east-mep-attacks-coalition-government-over-funding-cuts-for-affordable-housing/

ends

FURTHER INFORMATION: Keith's Press Officer is Melissa Freeman who can be contacted on: 020 7407 9935 Email: keithpress@greenmeps.org.uk Also, Email Keith at: keithtaylor@greenmeps.org.uk

ZERO CARBON KENT?
Fri, 18 Jun 2010
Kent Green Party commends the publication of 'Zero Carbon Britain 2030: a new energy strategy' (1). This new report demonstrates how Britain can end its dependence on declining and increasingly expensive fossil fuels, without building new nuclear or coal-fired power stations. Kent Green Party concludes that Kent and Medway are in an exceptional position to benefit from the combined energy and employment strategies 'Zero Carbon Britain' suggests. Steve Dawe explains:

"Kent and Medway have exceptional advantages in meeting the challenge of creating a Zero Carbon economy. The energy and employment benefits of a Zero Carbon approach suggested by the new 'Zero Carbon Britain 2030' report are particularly applicable to Kent. With cheap, recoverable Oil reaching its Peak of global supply(2), and a surprisingly rapid drop in expectations about future coal supplies, a 'Zero Carbon' approach to our energy future is essential.

"Kent's special advantages include: already being a major source of wood for the country, with the land to produce more; becoming a major player in the developing offshore wind farm industry, with expanding employment in Ramsgate being the harbinger of a large wind industry in the making; advantages in sunlight hours, meaning solar water heating and solar panels for electricity can be sited on our homes and buildings and yield both energy and good returns on investment.
"In short, we need to escape from the Government's blinkered mentality of cutting public spending and start using a fairer tax system to ensure a rapid boost in energy efficiency, zero carbon energy sources and employment."

Ends c 257 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:
1. 2nd report of the Zero Carbon Britain project, supported by the Centre for Alternative Technology. Full report available for download at http://www.zerocarbonbritain.org/
2. Evidence concerning a Peak in global oil supplies has been reviewed recently by the UK Energy Research Council: http://www.ukerc.ac.uk/support/tiki-index.php The report suggests a Peak Oil date probably before 2020. A similar review of research done on coal supplies suggests a global peak in economically viable coal resources by 2030: http://www.energywatchgroup.org/fileadmin/global/pdf/EWG_Report_Coal_10-07-2007ms.pdf

HANDS OFF OAKEN WOOD!
Sat, 12 Jun 2010
Greens in the Maidstone and Tonbridge and Malling areas are backing the campaign to save Oaken Woods from quarrying by Gallaghers. Expressing deep concerns about the wisdom and need for quarrying in Kent, they have stated that Gallaghers need to put the needs of environment before profit and that ancient woodland must be protected. They have further stated that there no need for further road building in Kent and that there are good alternatives for building materials. Maidstone Greens have expressed their concerns to the company directly.

Stuart Jeffery of Maidstone Green Party: "Gallagher mainly supplies aggregate for road building and stone for house building. While we recognise the need for more social and affordable housing in Maidstone, there is no need for further expansion of our road network, especially when it involves destroying 74 acres of ancient woodland.

"Kentish ragstone may be an attractive building material to use but it is not a practical one. At a time when we should be reducing our carbon footprint, we should be building houses using materials with very high insulation values. We need to be investing in zero carbon alternatives with high insulation values is we are to have a new housing stock for the future.[1]

"Destroying ancient woodland for the sake of building roads is simply shortsighted and greedy. Any promised replacement woodland will not be adequate for the loss of diversity that the area currently has."

Ends c240 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Stuart Jeffery 0797 0436029 or 01622 808370. Contact address 60 Boxley Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2TW. Published and promoted by H.Dawe for Kent Green Party both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.
Notes:
1. e.g. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3299208/Hemp-gaining-popularity-as-building-material.html
http://www.gallagher-group.co.uk/case_studies/aggregate/oakenwood/index.html#

GREEN PARTY 'DELIGHTED' BY CANCELLED A21 INQUIRY
Sat, 12 Jun 2010
Kent Greens are delighted by the cancellation of the Public Inquiry into the dualling of the A21. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, explains:

"Kent Green Party has always objected in principle to road capacity increases, new trunk road building or road widening. We are delighted that the A21 Public Inquiry has been cancelled. Delaying the Inquiry is a stay of execution for 9 hectares of irreplaceable ancient woodland(1). We note that there has been a significant reduction in tree planting in the UK in recent years (2). This is harmful to the goals of improving habitats, increasing amenity areas for domestic tourism and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

"Investment is needed in walking, cycling and public transport to compensate for long-term under-investment and high ticket prices in public transport and to encourage healthier lifestyles. We can neither repair the roads that we have properly nor realistically justify spending £125 million on A21 dualling for a temporary reduction in traffic congestion. Kent Green Party hopes that the Government's general review of road building will lead to a fundamental reappraisal of the idea of increasing trunk road capacity in the UK."

C 194 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Dr Hazel Dawe on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above. The full Kent Green Party submission to the Highways Agency is available at www.kentgreenparty.org under Publications. The Kent Green Party submission to the County Council's proposed new Local Transport Plan for Kent made also be found there.

Notes: 1. From the Woodland Trust submission to the consultation on A21 dualling.
2. report in the Independent 11th June 2010.

HOUSING WITHOUT TARGETS?
Sat, 05 Jun 2010
The Government has indicated that it is abolishing regional housing targets, which has the effect of protecting greenfield sites in Kent. But this leaves an unanswered question. When can those seeking social housing in Kent expect to obtain housing. Steve Dawe comments:

"It is good news that the arbitrary regional housing target for the South East Region is to be abolished(1). But where does this leave the estimated 36,600 households in Kent wanting social housing? Excessive cuts in local government spending and in housing are planned. The Coalition said it would protect front line services. Isn't housing a major social need? There are 22,000 empty homes in Kent and Medway, out of one million homes empty in the UK(2). With persistently empty retail and other commercial premises, and long vacant industrial estate sites, it is possible to meet Kent and Medway's housing needs without building on greenfield sites.

"Despite housing need, the new Government refuses to ringfence spending on housing, just like the previous Government. The Green Party believes decent, affordable housing is an entitlement and a basic human need. Providing energy efficient, dry and sound homes would employ people in every part of Kent and Medway. But not one Council in Kent has made significant progress with its empty homes and sites since 1997 either (4)."

Ends c220 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Promoted and Published by H.Dawe for Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF. Free monthly ezine available at www.kentgreenparty.org

Notes:
1. As widely reported.
2. Figures from Empty Homes Agency.
3. Figures from Shelter. Details are shown for each local authority in Kent and Medway, with the number of years it will take at present levels of new lettings to meet housing demand. SEE: http://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_issues/waiting_lists
4. SEE: http://southeast.greenparty.org.uk/region/southeast/news/21-11-09-Kent-Green-Party-Empty-homes-week-of-action.html

GREENS URGE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TO ACT AGAINST ISRAEL
Mon, 31 May 2010
Kent Green Party is urging MPs and MEPs to take action against Israel after the killing of at least 19 people in the Mediterranean. Those attacked were on board the Freedom Flotilla, taking 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which is currently under an Israeli blockade. The Flotilla was unarmed, and film made of the Israeli attack appears to show Israeli soldiers opening fire on unarmed civilians(1). Steve Dawe comments:

"Israel's armed forces have engaged in piracy similar to that which might normally be associated with the seas off Somalia. If such action had been taken by Iran, western states might well have declared war by now. Israel's role in avoidable wars in Lebanon in 2006, and more recently in Gaza has been characterised by attacks upon facilities such as schools, hospitals and buildings of humanitarian organisations. Remarkably little has been done by the international community to bring Israel to justice.

"Preventing Gaza obtaining much-needed humanitarian Aid is bad enough, but killing Aid workers is a new low in Israeli military actions. Kent Green Party calls upon MPs and MEPs representing Kent and Medway to ensure sanctions are brought against Israel. Kent Green Party also urges the public to write to MPs and MEPs pressing them to take action: the details of elected representatives can be found at http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/

"Reasonable actions which might now be taken against Israel include:
An end to the EU-Israel Agreement;

The removal of Israel from the Organisation for Cooperation and Development;

Encouragement of long-term boycott, divestment and sanctions of Israel to bring about an end to the blockade of Gaza and start peace talks in the region."

Ends c283 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Published by H.Dawe and promoted for Kent Green Party, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.


Notes:
1. Film shown on Al-Jazeera. - 31.5.2010.

WRITE TO MPs TO SUPPORT THE HUNTING ACT
Sun, 30 May 2010
Kent Green Party is urging the public to write to their MPs in support of the Hunting Act. Steve Campkin comments:

"The Hunting Act of 2004 has led to 60 successful prosecutions of those who have attempted to break it. Opposition to hunting remains high, at 75% of the population and is a clear majority amongst the supporters of each of the three largest parties. In rural areas, opposition to Hunting is nearly as high as in urban areas at 71%(1).

" The new Coalition Government talks about a New Politics but, with this, they are ignoring the people, including high profile campaigns by Brian May, the League Against Cruel Sports, Vote4animals, and Vote Cruelty Free. Kent Green Party urges the public to write to their MPs in Kent and Medway to sign Early Day Motion 116 which supports the Hunting Act. They need to be reminded that they have no mandate for extending cruelty to animals."

"Repealing the Hunting Act would be a major step backwards for our civilisation to a barbaric age where killing for fun is acceptable. It is not. If we are to move forward into an age of responsibility, respect and equality we must not exclude animals and the environment, there must be no exclusions, that is what equality means. The Hunting Act must be strengthened, extended to all animals and, most importantly, enforced."

Ends c 237 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Campkin, on 07964 867589. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe on behalf of Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.
Notes:
1. Vote Cruelty Free briefing on Hunting, May 2010.

THE BIDBOROUGH OIL RUSH
Thu, 27 May 2010
Kent Green Party has been examining the area proposed for oil drilling at Bidborough. Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair of Kent Green Party, comments:

"My husband, Steve, and I walked the Weald Way from Tonbridge to Bidborough, and back, past the potential oil drilling site. Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is unhappy because of the local roads which will be used by lorries servicing the site, but has permitted the development regardless. Road access includes the already busy Brook Street: access to two secondary schools and to West Kent College which is still a building site with heavy lorry traffic. Then there is Haysden Lane and Upper Haysden Lane: two very narrow country lanes. At the peak there could be a lorry every two minutes.

"But more concerning is that the planned main access route near the site, Gate Farm Lane, is clearly marked as 'Unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles.' It is a very steep, single carriageway country lane [SEE PHOTOS ATTACHED]. Lorries cannot pass each other in the lane so special passing areas will have to be built with the attendant destruction and disturbance of ancient hedgerows. The potential for accidents has been dismissed as planning officers believe that the lorry drivers will all drive safely at all times, apparently, in an area with no pavements.
"The noise has the potential to disturb enjoyment of our beautiful Haysden Country Park. The drill site is in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Special Landscape Area and part of the Metropolitan Green Belt. Tonbridge and Malling Green Party is disturbed that the proposal is in breach of both national and local policies for landscape protection(1)."
ends

Further information: Dr Hazel Dawe, Chair, Kent Green Party on 01732 355185 or mobile 079444 71083. Contact address as above. Published by H.Dawe and promoted for Kent Green Party, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:
1. Policy references: C3 High priority will be given to conservation and enhancement of
natural beauty in the region's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs); EN26 Development proposals will only be permitted within the AONB if they protect or enhance the natural beauty and special character of the landscape; CP4 The High Weald AONB will be conserved and enhanced. Net loss of biodiversity will be prevented, and enhancement measures encouraged. (FROM: report of Head of Planning Applications to Planning Applications Committee 11th May 2010 - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council).
NB. The drilling site comes under Tunbridge Wells Borough Council however access to the site would be through A21 via A26 Quarry Hill, Brook Street, Upper Haysden Lane which are under Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

BIODIVERSITY OR DEVELOPMENT IN KENT?
Sun, 23 May 2010
Kent Green Party wants planners to go back to basics in an effort to protect Kent's magnificent heritage of biodiversity. Steve Dawe comments:

"Recent reports suggest a general decline in the UK's biodiversity (1). Clearly, as an area of continuing housing development, warehousing plans and worst of all road building, Kent's biodiversity is under serious threat unless local planning authorities favour its protection over greenfield site development.

"Reports suggest more than twice as many conservation priority species and habitats are declining as are increasing across the UK. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan report shows that 24 per cent of the priority species are declining (88 species in total), as against 11 per cent which are improving. Typical continuing declines, besides red squirrels, plants such as juniper and fish such as the common skate, include the turtle dove, the twinflower and the brindled beauty moth. And 42 per cent of the priority habitats (19 habitats in total, including wildlife-rich upland chalk grassland and upland hay meadows) are in decline, as against 18 per cent which are improving.

"Kent's Biodiversity Action Plan and its 28 Habitat Action Plans are without doubt under threat given the general threat to spending by local government. Cuts in local government spending since the 1970s have compromised the many services it covers, not least those relating to our environment. This shows a lack of joined-up thinking since the rise of domestic tourism may be stifled if we do not make a better job of preserving biodiversity in Kent for tourists as well as local residents."

Ends c 261 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, Kent Green Party on 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Promoted by H.Dawe and published by Kent Green Party, both at 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:
1. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan: http://www.ukbap.org.uk/ , which has data from 2008 & see also http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/21/biodiversity-un-report & http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/report-on-failure-to-halt-wildlife-decline-is-buried-1979954.html
2. The Kent Biodiversity Action Plan - see: http://www.kentbap.org.uk/ - incorporates 28 Habitat Action Plans.

KENNINGTON UNDER THREAT
Mon, 17 May 2010
Steve Campkin, Ashford Green Party and Kennington resident, attended the
residents meeting to discuss the proposed Kennington North Estate on Saturday
May 15th, at Bockhanger Community Centre.


"The proposed housing seems to be an attempt to justify a link road between the
A28 and the A259 to reduce congestion on the Faversham road through Boughton
Aluph, but an independent survey by Winston Michael shows there is little or no
congestion. The only problems seem to be between 7:30 and 9:00 in the morning
during the school run.


People from the Trinity estate have to take their children to the Wye school as
no school was provided for them close by, and this coincides with lorries and
cars coming into Ashford from Faversham during peak hours.


Kent Green Party has long proposed getting lorries off the roads by moving
freight transport to a publicly owned rail system, and this would also tackle
operation stack and the need for a lorry park in Aldington, or anywhere else.


As for the school run, this could easily be catered for with a free bus service
from Kennington to Wye for school children.


The Housing project and link road are utterly pointless and would cause needless
destruction, setting a precedent for further development in Boughton Aluph, Wye
and elsewhere in Ashfords limited countryside."


215 words


Steven Campkin
PPC Ashford Green Party
37 Beecholme Drive
Kennington
Ashford
Kent
TN24 9AA

HOW TO PROTECT KENT AGAINST THE CUTS
Sun, 16 May 2010
In its anxiety about the Government's deficit, the new Coalition is determined to make short- and long-term cuts in public spending. However, these cuts and their impact upon Kent and Medway can be avoided. Steve Dawe explains:

"The Coalition Government can easily avoid making damaging cuts in public services, which would reduce employment all over Kent and Medway. It can start by addressing the issue of how £100 billion each year of tax revenue is lost. Each year, tax loopholes, failure to collect taxes that are due and non-payment of taxes are costing the UK £100 billion(1). Staff cuts in HM Revenue and Customs are also preventing proper collection of taxes.

"If a progressive tax system is adopted in addition to more efficient tax collection, then the deficit can be reduced significantly over the next five years.
"If such measures are not taken, then the current rise in unemployment in Kent and Medway will not be reversed. Similarly, our needs for more social housing, better public transport, improved health promotion, upgraded local government services and expanding Further and Higher Education will not be met."

Ends 191 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, KENT GREEN PARTY - 01732 355185 or 07747 036192. Contact address as above. Published by Kent Green Party and promoted by H.Dawe, both at 27, Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF.

Notes:
FROM: The Green New Deal Group report: The Great Tax Parachute: how to save the public finances and keep the economy afloat: http://www.greennewdealgroup.org/?p=168#%29