Press Releases for 2005

WHAT ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT REALLY MATTER? (Ashford)

14th April 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has issued a pre-election letter, urging party leaders to avoid political campaigns based on fear. In his letter, Dr Williams argues that although negative campaign strategies may make headlines they do not determine the outcome of elections and that politicians should offer long-term solutions to real challenges. Dr Williams goes on to identify four such issues: the environment, international development and the arms trade, youth and family policy, and criminal justice reform. Richard Boden, Green Party Candidate for Ashford, comments:

"Of these issues, only the last one appears to feature strongly in the Election campaign we have all been witnessing since the beginning of the year. The decline of habitats and species and of agricultural land here in Kent needs to addressed. Good land use organic agriculture and high standard animal husbandry - will create jobs in rural Kent. But as people are moving into Kent from London and consuming our landscape, we are steadily losing the opportunity to develop a stronger rural economy. Our local authorities and utility companies have no clear idea whether they will be able to meet the needs of new arrivals for water, energy or health care. And it is clear our local authorities lack a large enough share of the public spending 'cake' to provide adequate facilities for all. As Green Party Candidate for Ashford, I will be raising these neglected issues during this election. But pressing all candidates on these issues is a job for voters too."

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FURTHER INFORMATION: Richard Boden - Green Party Candidate for Ashford, 01233 812398 (callminder). Richard Boden runs Wyecycle, the Wye-based recycling company. Contact address as above.

Note: The Archbishop's letter was issued on 31st March 2005, to Party leaders: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/releases/050331.htm

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14th April 2005