Wales Green Party announces Mid and West Wales Candidates for National Assembly Elections

The Wales Green party today announced it's regional list candidates standing for the National Assembly Elections in May 2016. The event took place at the historic site of the Welsh parliament in 1404 when Owain Glyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales. Leila Kiersch former leader of the Wales Green Party introduced the speakers.

 Alice Hooker Stroud, leader of the Wales Green Party and lead list candidate for Mid and West Wales speaking at the launch said;

"The Wales Green party’s policies are about making and supporting thriving, sustainable communities
We are about making Mid and West Wales the Green heart of Wales.  We can create secure jobs in renewable energy, support local business, retrofit and build warm, affordable housing, provide free healthcare, save our local bilingual schools and improve public transport links. These are all things that if elected I will be fighting for in the assembly."

Pippa Pemberton candidate for Mid and West Wales regional list said;

"The Wales Green Party stands against austerity and for sustainability, voting for the Wales Green party and getting a green voice into the Senedd will enable the Wales Green party to push for policies that support communities, people and the planet."

Wales Green party regional list candidates for Mid Wales and West are;

Grenville Ham: Also standing in the constituency of Brecon and Radnorshire, Grenville works with communities on renewable energy schemes. He has numerous awards to his name as a result of his work: The IWA named him one of three “Most Inspirational Environmentalists in Wales” (2010), and he was the only person named on the New Years Honours list in 2012 for “Services to the Renewable Energy Industry in Wales” (2012). His parents are from Brecon and Maesteg.

Pippa Pemberton. A frontline environmental and social activist, she has battled against road and airport expansion, and homelessness. Now a writer on politics and the environment, her professional expertise is in heritage conservation and regeneration, having worked as an Inspector of Ancient Monuments & Historic Environment Field Advisor for a number of years. She currently lives near Caersws with her family.

Frances Bryant – also constituency candidate in Preseli Pembrokeshire, she lives in Fishguard where she runs a small business. Last year ran in the General Election in her constituency against Stephen Crabb, Secretary of State for Wales.

Alice Hooker Stroud said;

"Together we represent the richness and diversity in background, knowledge and experience we expect from the Wales Green Party."

For further information and images from the launch please contact kimbryan@walesgreenparty.com

News that more than 1000 jobs are to be lost in South Wales steelmaking is devastating for the local economy, the supply chain and the affected communities.

Alice Hooker Stroud, leader of the Wales Green Party said;

"The loss of 1050 jobs will be devastating to families and local communities in Port Talbot but is also extremely short sighted.  The renewable energy infrastructure we need to provide us with clean, green electricity - as demanded by the Wales Green Party - will require steel. Instead of importing that steel from other countries, increasing carbon emissions globally, we should be using steel manufactured in Wales. We need to look at ways of making the steel industry more energy efficient to reduce its environmental impact."

Pippa Bartolotti, candidate for Newport West and the South East Wales Regional List said, “The Welsh government has had 11 years notice of these job losses, and now it pleads impotence. I call on Carwyn Jones to take action now to prevent future losses. The market will not solve the problem, changing state aid rules will.

Cheap Chinese Steel has been flooding the UK market for some years now. This steel is being sold at a loss, and the EU needs to step in urgently if we are not to lose steel-making capability in Wales.”

One thing which is not being discussed is the effect of steel making industries on pollution. If we buy steel from China we not only create the associated, and higher, pollution Chinese people have to suffer, we increase CO2 through the transportation of the product halfway round the world.

Lisa Rapado,  Wales Green Party Candidate for South Wales West and Neath Constituency Candidate. added, “This is why steel making needs to stay in Wales. It is less polluting, our standards our higher, and it is delivered locally. We must ask Welsh businesses to support Welsh steelmaking, and ask Welsh consumers to buy Welsh products. It will be cheaper in the long run as we ensure that 1000’s of jobs are saved and our communities remain intact."

China produces as much steel as the rest of the world combined. As China’s growth slows, the excess steel that Chinese industry doesn’t need is being marketed overseas, filling Chinese coffers with desirable foreign currency.

Alice Hooker Stroud commented further;

"The Welsh government needs to be looking urgently at how to develop renewable energy schemes, predicted to be worth billions of pounds to the Welsh economy and would create thousands of high quality, sustainable jobs that would help communities like Port Talbort, but only last week did David Cameron turn his nose up at the tidal lagoon project.

"Once again, the 'greenest government ever' has failed to see the opportunity in renewables, and fails to support local, sustainable jobs in our communities. The Westminster Government doesn't seem to have a long-term view. We need to invest for now and for the future. While Westminster dithers, Wales suffers."

The Wales Green Party calls on UK government to abandon plans to build a new nuclear plant at Wylfa Newydd.

 The Welsh Affairs Committee has today launched an inquiry into the future of nuclear power in Wales. The Wales Green Party is the only party in Wales that remains staunchly opposed to nuclear power.

Alice Hooker Stroud, Leader of the Wales Green Party said:

" The Wales Green party welcomes the inquiry into the future of nuclear power. Nuclear power presents an unacceptable risk to the people of Wales and should not be part of building a sustainable future for Wales. It is absurd that at a time where we have seen renewable energy projects slashed due to UK government policy that we pursue nuclear power, which is expensive, dangerous and does not help meet short term carbon reduction targets."

The inquiry will explore how decommissioning processes for old generators are carried out and what the environmental impact is. The inquiry will then look at the future of nuclear energy for Wales in terms of providing money and job creation.

Commenting further Alice Hooker Stroud said:

“The disposal of nuclear waste is still a huge issue, the government plans to bury it but this is no gurantee that it will not leak back into the environment and food chain. This waste will remain dangerous for up to a million years: an outrageous legacy to leave for many generations to come.”

"We know that Wales has an abundance of natural resources that could be harnessed to generate clean green, renewable energy, tackling the climate challenge, injecting money into local communities and creating stable jobs.  If we really invested in renewables we would not need nuclear."

Amelia Womack, deputy leader for the Green Party of England and Wales and lead candidate in South Wales Central:

"Research shows that the energy output from the Swansea tidal lagoon, threatened by a change of heart from the greenest government ever can compete with a nuclear plant as the replacement low-carbon source of power that the UK so urgently needs."

The Wales Green Party will be calling on the the UK government to abandon plans for a new nuclear plant in Wylfa Newydd

The inquiry was launched by the Welsh Affairs committee on the 20th of January, the committe invites written evidence. Follow the link here to find out more.

Lisa Rapado; Wales Green Party candidate for South Wales West and Neath Constituency slams decision to award permission for fracking exploration in South Wales.

" I am very disappointed to learn that Natural Resources Wales have granted UK Methane an Environmental Permit that permits them to commence borehole construction/operation at Foel Fynyddau Forest, Pontrhydyfen."

 Local people have been vehemently opposed to this development from the outset and remain resolute in their wish to see their surroundings remain untouched by fracking. They have put forward many varied and compelling arguments as to why this shouldn't happen.

UK Methane now only need approval from the Health & Safety Executive -  and the go ahead from UK Department of Energy and Climate Change - in order to commence test drilling for Shale Gas and Coal Bed Methane on the site; ie fracking.

What's particularly disappointing about this decision is that the power to issue licenses and permits to drill in Wales is soon to be devolved to the Welsh Assembly, where its almost certain any such applications will be refused in future.

Lisa Rapado continued;

 "The irony is not lost on me in the titles of  institutions such as DECC and the Health and Safety Executive that could now be responsible for unleashing something that is neither safe nor healthy and will increase dramatically the effects of climate change when the carbon is released after it is recovered.

Our region is paying a heavy price, the UK government has set about destroying the renewable energy industry in Wales, opened the doors to fracking and hung steelworkers at the Tata plant in Port Talbot out to dry.

We will pay a heavy price for a missed opportunity at renewable energy and be left in an almighty environmental mess after the frackers have fracked off."

 Frack Free Wales is organising a protest in Pontrhydyfen this coming Saturday (23rd), commencing at 9.30 am at the entrance to the forest track under the viaduct on the B4286 in Pontrhydyfen.

Wales Green Party and Welsh Green Pride call on Home Office to stop the deportation of Nigerian gay activist, Favour Onzulike.

Lisa Rapado, Lead List Candidate, South Wales West and Neath Constituency Candidate said:

"Favour is a much liked member of the community. He has made a huge contribution to the LGBT community of Swansea. Nobody should live in fear of their lives for who they are, and if Favour is deported to Nigeria his life will be in danger. Wales has welcomed Favour and his work has supported many people in a similar situation as him.”

Favour Onuzulike has volunteered as Unity LGBT Centre's office manager and has been working as the No Going Back project manager for a number of months.  The Home Office took him from Swansea to a detention centre in Dorset to await his deportation to Nigeria. He has not been granted the chance to appeal. UK authorities plan to fly him back to Nigeria on Sunday 24th January 2016.  Time is very short to prevent this happening.

Nigeria has been criticized for its draconian anti-gay laws. Friends of Favour fear for his safety and his life if he is deported. In the southern states in Nigeria members of the LGTB community face long prison sentences. In the northern states people face being stoned to death for their sexuality. Yet the British Home Office deems it a safe environment for him to be sent back to.

"The Wales Green Party is urging the Home Office to reverse the decision to deport him and are calling on the Welsh Government to back the campaign to allow Favour to return to Swansea and resume his life and his work."
 
As a gay activist in Wales, he often has spoken at events where he has been open about his identity  and experiences. Should he be deported to Nigeria he faces imprisonment and violence.  He fled to Wales due to horrific experiences he has already had.

 A petition to stop the deportation of Nigerian gay activist Favour Onzulike from Swansea is gaining momentum. A link to it can be found here.

Press release: Wales Green Party condemns refugee wristbands in Cardiff

In response to the recent disclosure that refugees in Cardiff say they were forced to wear bands at all times in accommodation provided by Home Office contractor.

Amelia Womack, Wales Green Party prospective lead candidate South Wales Central list and Cardiff Central, and Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales said:

"I'm shocked to hear this is happening in Cardiff, so close to where I live. It's hard to find words to describe how deeply thoughtless this policy is, and how little respect and compassion it shows for people fleeing persecution overseas. 

"Wales has a proud tradition of offering food and shelter to those in need. Refugees are people, no less than you or I. I am disgusted that public money is being handed to private companies who don't recognise that making refugees wear a red wristband they can't remove will make them an obvious target for cowardly racist bullying and abuse."

Hannah Pudner, Deputy Leader for Wales Green Party said

"Bullying starts at the top. Is it any surprise, given the poisonous rhetoric that comes out of the Home Secretary's mouth, that companies think they can get away with having so little regard to the people they are being paid to care for?

"The Wales Green Party wants Wales to be a country that keeps a welcome in the hillside for those fleeing persecution. I believe those are true Welsh values, and I believe most people in Cardiff will be as ashamed as I am to hear this has been happening in our city."

Notes:

• Amelia Womack is Wales Green Party prospective lead candidate South Wales Central list and Cardiff Central, and Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. Cardiff based.
• Hannah Pudner is Deputy Leader of Wales Green Party and their prospective candidate for Cardiff West Cardiff based.
• Both are available for interviews.
• This statement is in response to a story lead by the Guardian 24/01/16 http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/24/asylum-seekers-made-to-wear-coloured-wristbands-cardiff

Thirteen protesters, including three Machynlleth residents, who chained themselves to railings at the UK’s largest airport have been told it is almost inevitable they will be jailed for their actions.

Alice Hooker-Stroud leader of the Wales Green Party and list candidate for Mid and West Wales said:

"I am absolutely shocked by the judges ruling. Three of the activists on trial for occupying the runway at Heathrow airport are friends of mine from Machynlleth where I live. I have worked with them and campaigned peacefully alongside them, and they are people of integrity and compassion. I proudly stand in solidarity with all thirteen of these brave individuals who are standing up for humanity and our shared future.

We must take serious and immediate action on climate change to safeguard our future, and airport expansion cannot form part of the package. I think it is time to put the UK government in the dock for their continued failure to tackle rising carbon emissions and for killing the British renewable industry."

The defendents said about today's judgement

“Today's judgement demonstrates that the legal system does not yet recognise that climate defence is not an offence. We took action because we saw that it was sorely needed. When the democratic, legislative and processes have failed, it takes the actions of ordinary people to change them.”

“We are very grateful for all the messages of support and solidarity we have received from all over the world, and are immensely proud of the action we took to combat emissions from aviation. Climate change and air pollution from Heathrow are killing people now, and the government's response is to spend millions making the problem bigger. As long as airport expansion is on the agenda, Plane Stupid will be here. We're in it for the long haul.“

Notes

• On Monday 13th of July 2015 Thirteen climate change activists were arrested after they chained themselves together on the northern runway at Heathrow.

• A new runway at heathrow would lead to CO2 emissions equivalent to that of Kenya

• Aviation accounts for roughly 6% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and 2% of the carbon dioxide produced by people globally. But as this industry expands while emissions from other sectors are cut, a study commissioned by the European parliament expects it to produce 22% of the world’s CO₂ emissions by 2050, unless there is a sharp change in policy. That’s enough to push us past the thresholds our governments promised to avoid.

Thirteen protesters, including three Machynlleth residents, who chained themselves to railings at the UK’s largest airport have been told it is almost inevitable they will be jailed for their actions.

Alice Hooker-Stroud leader of the Wales Green Party and list candidate for Mid and West Wales said:

"I am absolutely shocked by the judges ruling. Three of the activists on trial for occupying the runway at Heathrow airport are friends of mine from Machynlleth where I live. I have worked with them and campaigned peacefully alongside them, and they are people of integrity and compassion. I proudly stand in solidarity with all thirteen of these brave individuals who are standing up for humanity and our shared future.

We must take serious and immediate action on climate change to safeguard our future, and airport expansion cannot form part of the package. I think it is time to put the UK government in the dock for their continued failure to tackle rising carbon emissions and for killing the British renewable industry."

The defendents said about today's judgement

“Today's judgement demonstrates that the legal system does not yet recognise that climate defence is not an offence. We took action because we saw that it was sorely needed. When the democratic, legislative and processes have failed, it takes the actions of ordinary people to change them.”

“We are very grateful for all the messages of support and solidarity we have received from all over the world, and are immensely proud of the action we took to combat emissions from aviation. Climate change and air pollution from Heathrow are killing people now, and the government's response is to spend millions making the problem bigger. As long as airport expansion is on the agenda, Plane Stupid will be here. We're in it for the long haul.“

Notes

• On Monday 13th of July 2015 Thirteen climate change activists were arrested after they chained themselves together on the northern runway at Heathrow.

• A new runway at heathrow would lead to CO2 emissions equivalent to that of Kenya

• Aviation accounts for roughly 6% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and 2% of the carbon dioxide produced by people globally. But as this industry expands while emissions from other sectors are cut, a study commissioned by the European parliament expects it to produce 22% of the world’s CO₂ emissions by 2050, unless there is a sharp change in policy. That’s enough to push us past the thresholds our governments promised to avoid.

Wales Green Party welcomes the ERS Cymru’s statement saying they should be invited to debates.

In response to the ERS Cymru’s statement that all six parties should be invited to TV debates, Deputy Leader of Wales Green party, Hannah Pudner said:

“The Wales Green Party welcomes the ERS Cymru’s statement.  When a political party isn’t allowed to debate in public, those who ultimately lose out are the public.  Parties should be able to rise and fall on their own merits, but unless they are able to debate in public people are not as informed about them as they could be. The political landscape of Wales is changing and the media need to reflect that. We are disappointed that the BBC chose to exclude us from recent debates. The media has an important role to play in encouraging open democracy and we hope that the BBC, and other broadcasters take heed of what the ERS has said today”.

Students voice concerns over NUS Wales stifling debate

On the day the ERS Cymru stated all six parties should be invited to debates, NUS Wales confirmed that they will not be inviting the Wales Green party to their hustings at their national conference in March.

Secretary of Wales Young Greens, and Cardiff University Students, Sam Murray said:

"As a Welsh student I feel really let down by NUS Wales. Education budgets are being cut and climate change is all around us - both are hugely important issues to students. The Wales Green Party have strong support amongst the student body and NUS Wales should be representing all students. Anything less and they could be accused of favouring some parties over others. It's not right or fair. The Wales Green Party should be included".

An open letter from Sam to NUS Wales President Beth Button can be found here

The ERS Cymru statement can be found here

• The Wales Green Party was excluded from recent BBC leader debates, a public petition has now reached over 1,000 signatures.
• Hannah Pudner worked for NUS for seven years, Director for Wales between 2012-14.

Dear Beth,

I write to you on the day that the Electoral Reform Society Cymru stated that all of Wales’ six parties should be invited to debates.

The National Union of Students Wales has a rich history of encouraging youth engagement with politics and democracy. The work you undertake with your members is life changing for many: broadening horizons and opportunities, and promoting a progressive, more tolerant society. It is quite right you should be proud of this.

But a functioning democracy needs voters to be well informed, allowing them to make considered decisions in the polling booth. Your organisation has a key role to play in this, enabling students to explore, reflect and debate the merits, or otherwise, of the various political parties and their candidates.

To do this they need exposure to all parties. To do this you must invite all parties to your hustings events. In light of this principle, it is hugely disappointing to hear that you have decided not to include the Wales Green Party in the upcoming hustings at the NUS Wales national conference.

I know the motivations are not to stifle debate and censor information that students have access to. Yet these are consequences of the decision. And we are sure students will be interested in what the Wales Green Party has to say on education – no fees, higher maintenance grants, more apprenticeships and protection of the Education Maintenance Allowance.

The Electoral Reform Society Cymru is calling for all six parties in Wales to have representation in hustings and we also have the support of the wider public. Over 280,000 people signed a petition last year to include the Green Party in General Election debates, and a Welsh specific petition is also gathering momentum.

As a party we want to work with you to encourage greater youth engagement with politics and democracy. I urge NUS Wales to do the right thing and reconsider its decision and include the Wales Green Party in its hustings.

Best wishes,
Sam Murray
Wales Young Greens Cardiff University Student

#GenerationVote

Wales Green Party calls for Welsh Government to end the ban on gay blood

 The Wales Green Party today launched it’s LGBTIQ+  manifesto and called for an end to the Welsh government ban on gay blood. From education for all, to calling for all out equality, mental health support and acceptance of the transgender community the manifesto outlines measures to build a fairer and more inclusive society.

The manifesto can be downloaded here

 “It is time to address the inequality and discrimination that faces us on a daily basis.” Said Adam Smith from Welsh Green Pride and editor of the manifesto. 

The manifesto calls on the Welsh government to remove the ban on gay blood donations and supports the opening of a clinic in Wales for those seeking gender reassignment clinic and gender identity clinic . The manifesto has been brought together through engaging with the LGBTIQ+ community and highlighting what issues they are facing. 

 
Adam Smith from Welsh Green Pride said;

 “ In Wales we are seeing some good steps forward in supporting the LGBTIQ+ community, however more changes are needed and a green voice in the Senedd can make this happen.”

 Alice Hooker Stroud leader of the Wales Green Party said;

“The Wales Green Party is proud to be supporting the LGBTIQ  community and it is a great pleasure to be launching our manifesto with 94 days to go to the National Assembly election. It’s time for an end to a ban on gay blood.”

The top four key priorities of the manifesto are;

1.      Removal of the discriminatory blood ban imposed on gay and bisexual men and women with bisexual partners.

2.    Ensure that every school, college and university implements a specific LGBTIQ+ anti-bully policies that ensure they are adequately capable of supporting anyone who is suffering bullying due to their sexuality

3.      That Wales gets a fully funded LGBTIQ+ support help-line. With the drastic cuts coming to support services here in Wales, this is a must needed services.

4.       For Wales to get its first transition clinic here in Wales to fully support the 30.000+ Trans community. It is time that our own government stands up and implements a must needed service.

The National Assembly of Wales has today voted on the Environment Wales Bill, Alice Hooker-Stroud leader of the Wales Green Party said:

“This is yet another example of why we need Green voices in the Senedd.  The Environment Wales Bill is unambitious, especially when it comes to climate.  We need to see strong legislation brought in that holds Welsh Government to account on climate change and not box ticking excerises. Greens in the Senedd will fight for real and meaningful environmental change that works for the people of Wales and the planet. ”

The Wales Green Party believes that we should be aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in Wales, as opposed to the 80% by 2050 as proposed in the Wales Environment Bill.

“If we are to take climate change seriously in Wales – and in the UK as a whole, we need to move targets much closer, and look to cut all our emissions. “    Alice Hooker-Stroud.

Duncan Kerr has won a by-election for the Shropshire Council seat of South Oswestry.

With his win, the Green Party now has councillors on 11 different councils across the West Midlands.

The seat had been held since 2013 by the Conservative ex-Leader of the Council Keith Barrow.

Duncan is an active local campaigner who was runner up in the seat in the 2013 election, and he has been a Town Councillor on Oswestry Town Council since 2013. (1)

Duncan said: "I would like to thank the people of South Oswestry for their support."

"Shropshire faces a very uncertain future with threats to all services from libraries and parks to care services for the elderly and young people all under threat."

"From my own knowledge and experience of 30 years in local government, I know there is an alternative to this dismantling of our society."

"I will be calling for policies which will rebuild the economy and vitality of our great town."

Notes

1) Duncan Kerr has spent thirty years working for, or acting as a consultant to, local government. As a town councillor in Oswestry since 2013, he has campaigned on the threat to Shrewsbury's A&E, against fracking, for safer 20 mph speed limits on Oswestry's residential streets, opposed eyesore developments and helped dozens of residents with their problems and issues.

Full results (percentage change from 2013 election):

GRN: 48.8% (+17.1)
CON: 34.6% (-11.4)
LAB: 9.0% (+9.0)
LDEM: 7.6% (+1.8)

The Wales Green Party will tomorrow launch it's ground breaking Older People’s Manifesto. Instigated by former leader Pippa Bartolotti, this special manifesto highlights the needs of this fastest growing part of our population.

 The challenge as Pippa Bartolotti says is to “ live older, but not feel older! “

“All too often the unique needs of older people are ignored.  The Wales Green Party will change that. We believe this is the first time a political party has written a manifesto specifically addressing the need of our aging population.”

 The number of people aged 65 and over in Wales is now 553,000, this will rise by half by 2030. Demographic change is good news – a mark of our improving living conditions, diet and medical advances. But public policy is not catching up, and the needs – both emotional and financial – are not being met by Welsh Government or by any other political party.

“The Wales Green Party heeds the cries from older people facing an uncertain and increasingly expensive old age, and this Older People’s Manifesto addresses the issues many of us will face in a changing world.”

Highlights from the manifesto include:

·         Wales Green Party will focus funding on preventative healthcare strategies

·         Ensure that councils construct adequate toilets and places to sit in public spaces

·         Ensure Internet providers are aware of what services older people need and get people connected.

·         Rebalance education spending so there is an increase in the proportion spent on older learners

·         Implement pooled health and social care budgets

·         Reduce hospital costs by half by introducing Policlinics

·         Ensure staffing levels on older people’s wards are in line with Royal College of Nursing

·         Support existing respite centres and fund new respite care centres and day centres where they are needed

·         Pressurise the Government and policy makers to put the welfare of older people at the heart of responses to climate change.

·         Massively increase investment in energy efficiency retrofit programmes in Wales, reflecting the urgent need to tackle climate change, taking millions out of fuel poverty.

For further information please contact kimbryan@walesgreenparty.com

Representatives of the Wales Green Party were approached to explore the possibilities of forming a progressive alliance ahead of the National Assembly elections in 2016. However failure to reach agreement between the three parties has meant that talks have now been abandoned.

Alice Hooker-Stroud, leader of the Wales Green Party said:

"Our electoral system in Wales needs a good shake up. Progressive voters regularly have to hold their nose and vote for another term of a Welsh Labour government that has run out of ideas and has nothing left to offer but more excuses.

 Representatives of the Wales Green Party were approached to explore whether we could form an alliance as an alternative to our tired, inert one party state. People want real change, and we were looking to from alliance with parties who share common ground with the Wales Green Party  to see if we could offer them a chance to vote for it. 

 The electoral math was there, but the political will wasn't. Talks took place but no final proposal to take to our members for final agreement was reached. 

 "We are a party on the ascent and we will work, whether together or on our own, to ensure the next Welsh Government is accountable to those who want a fairer Wales, run for the common good.  We now continue with our focus on the election, and we are excited that Green supporters in every part of Wales can still vote to to secure Green voices in the Senedd in May."