Monthly Archives: March 2014

The Green Party supports European Migration, and welcomes European Immigrants’ contribution to the UK

The Green Party’s long term global vision is of an international economic order where the relationship between peoples, nations and regions are non-exploitative. In such a world local economies would be as self-sufficient as possible, whilst at the same time people would be free to live and work where they wished.
Although the Green Party accepts systematic problems within the EU, and thus supports a reform the democratic controls within the EU; the Green Party opposes any EU border control.

The Green Party entirely rejects any suggestion that immigrants are to blame for our current problems. On the contrary many immigrants are victims of the same system of exploitation and inequality that blights Britain. Others are seeking to escape the consequences of climate change, environmental degradation and resource shortage, all growing problems in the 21st century.

At the recent Green Party Conference I attended a workshop on what on the face of it might sound like a not very exciting subject – Bilateral Trade Agreements, with particular reference to the TTIP. By the end of the workshop I realised what a minefield these agreements can be, often leaving Governments open to costly legal action by multinational corporations.
There are many different trade agreements or treaties between different countries. These treaties are agreed between two or more countries to help trade and bring in investment. The negotiations are all confidential and here in the UK they are dealt with by the unelected officials at the Foreign Commonwealth Office. Because of so called commercial confidentiality, little information gets out to the public or even to Parliament.
One of the big concerns of these agreements if that they allow Corporations or companies from one of the countries to sue…

I attended the Saturday and Sunday of the spring conference. The conference lasts from Friday to Monday, but I could not attend all days due to child care.
Anyway, this was my first proper time in Liverpool, I had only visited previously to provide training – but I obviously did not see the City. My Hotel was a Green Hotel in the middle of the Ropewalks, a very stylish area in the Centre with all the trendy clubs. Although it was slightly pricey, I enjoyed the tasteful Hotel in a converted warehouse of some sort. Walking through the streets, I enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere. On Saturday night, we walked to Albert Docks, and we were astounded by the stunning architecture – a mixture between old and new. I believe it’s one of the Unesco Word Heritage.

The conference itself was inspiring and interesting. I particularly enjoyed a fringe on “Trade…

I hope you enjoyed the week of International Women’s Day?

On Thursday I was at New Art Exchange in Nottingham on an intercultural panel of women working for the local community. It is estimated that over 70% of cuts so far have come out of the pockets of women. This has been taken in real term cuts in child benefit, benefits for childcare and the bedroom tax. Public service job cuts have affected more women than men too, with many women in care professions. Cuts to services for vulnerable women also have devastating effects with domestic violence, family homelessness, foodbank use and child poverty rising. The cuts affect women from new and emerging communities most of all. One of my hats in daily life is an interfaith worker, at least until the funding runs out next month. I’ve searched for venues, found resources, publicized and coordinated events, been a speaker…

Kat Boettge

Green Party European election candidate for the East Midlands Kat Boettge talks to local resident Andy about Dart Energy’s plans for coal bed methane extraction in Daneshill, Retford. Local residents have understandable concerns about the possible impacts on wildlife, water, and housing. It is also important to view fossil fuel extraction in the wider context of climate change, and Andy discusses the claim that these new, extreme fossil fuels will reduce energy prices. The alternative is renewable energy such as wind and solar which has a much kinder environmental impact.