Hustings: We are looking into having a hustings meeting before the next election whereby we invite members of all the political parties’ young wing to attend and give comments.
Sheffield Climate Alliance: We should have feedback on this each month as we are part of this alliance and it will help us to work together to support each other.
Time to Act! on Climate Change
On March 7th, two months before the election, we will take to the streets of London in a creative mass action. We will set out clearly what must happen now to cut emissions and build a better future. No more half-hearted promises: It's Time to Act on Climate Change.
Showing posts with label Politicians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politicians. Show all posts
Monday, 15 December 2014
Monday, 17 November 2014
General Election
Steve suggested having a hustings for the 2015 General Election and John mentioned that the Climate Alliance group is planning a Hustings. See the poster below for details.
It was mentioned that it would be a good idea to have a young hustings before the election.
It was mentioned that it would be a good idea to have a young hustings before the election.
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Cllr Jack Scott meeting
Sheffield Friends of the Earth organised a meeting with Councillor Jack Scott in October after making contact with him at the Riverlution festival in September.
As Jack is responsible for the environment we talked to him about a Frack-free Sheffield, our recent bee walk and bee corridors as well as energy issues.
He told us at the meeting that £570,000 has been secured to promote the ‘Green Deal’. It may be possible for the council to loan money on low interest rates to people for solar panels and insulation etc. Jack would like to meet with the group regularly and asked if we could please write letters of support when he implements green policies.
See Jack's web page http://www.jackscott.org.uk/
As Jack is responsible for the environment we talked to him about a Frack-free Sheffield, our recent bee walk and bee corridors as well as energy issues.
He told us at the meeting that £570,000 has been secured to promote the ‘Green Deal’. It may be possible for the council to loan money on low interest rates to people for solar panels and insulation etc. Jack would like to meet with the group regularly and asked if we could please write letters of support when he implements green policies.
See Jack's web page http://www.jackscott.org.uk/
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| Councillor Jack Scott |
Monday, 20 December 2010
David Blunkett & Ed Milliband
David Blunkett
As part of the Big Climate Connection, Beatrice joined forces with a few other people and made an appointment to see what David Blunkett is prepared to do about environmental issues.
He has written to Chris Hulne requesting that he change the UK's approach to funding developing countries to go through the UN rather than the World Bank.
The £12 million PFI scheme to improve Sheffield's roads and sewers is in category B which means that it will definitely go ahead but it is not the highest priority. It has been postponed until 2012 and he suggested that a campaign to include a city wide cycle network could be well timed and successful. He also suggested that the Universities be involved in a project to advise how the cycle network might best be implemented and advise on the most efficient form of street lighting that reduces light pollution.
Regarding Penistone road, David said that he would write to the council requesting urgent air quality monitoring. He has requested further information on the Sheffield Car Club
He agreed that he will request minimum energy efficiency standards for the private rented sector so that by 2016 the most inefficient homes (below Band F and G) cannot be let.
David stated that he thought something would have to be done to provide training and employment for people but he did not state that he would vote for a Green New Deal.
It was agreed that both David Blunkett and the attendees would continue to put pressure on the relevant people to tackle climate change.
Ed Milliband
Sheffield Friends of the Earth were asked to put forward a couple of questions to Ed Milliband at an event being run by the Sheffield Star. We could have met up with Ed at the meeting but all our active members were working.
As part of the Big Climate Connection, Beatrice joined forces with a few other people and made an appointment to see what David Blunkett is prepared to do about environmental issues.
He has written to Chris Hulne requesting that he change the UK's approach to funding developing countries to go through the UN rather than the World Bank.
The £12 million PFI scheme to improve Sheffield's roads and sewers is in category B which means that it will definitely go ahead but it is not the highest priority. It has been postponed until 2012 and he suggested that a campaign to include a city wide cycle network could be well timed and successful. He also suggested that the Universities be involved in a project to advise how the cycle network might best be implemented and advise on the most efficient form of street lighting that reduces light pollution.
Regarding Penistone road, David said that he would write to the council requesting urgent air quality monitoring. He has requested further information on the Sheffield Car Club
He agreed that he will request minimum energy efficiency standards for the private rented sector so that by 2016 the most inefficient homes (below Band F and G) cannot be let.
David stated that he thought something would have to be done to provide training and employment for people but he did not state that he would vote for a Green New Deal.
It was agreed that both David Blunkett and the attendees would continue to put pressure on the relevant people to tackle climate change.
Ed Milliband
Sheffield Friends of the Earth were asked to put forward a couple of questions to Ed Milliband at an event being run by the Sheffield Star. We could have met up with Ed at the meeting but all our active members were working.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Elections Hustings 2010
On Thursday 15th April 2010, prospective MPs met members of the public in a packed meeting organised by Sheffield Friends of the Earth. On a night when the party leaders were debating on TV, local people turned out to see some live politics. Paul Blomfield (Labour), Paul Scriven (Lib Dem), Nicola Bates (Conservative) and Jillian Creasey (Green) presented their views on developing a green economy and then answered questions from the audience.
The environment has not figured in a big way in the national campaign but all four candidates were keen to stress the green credentials of their parties. Paul Blomfield was happy to stand on Labour’s national record, highlighting the passing of the Climate Change Act and hailing John Prescott for his role in the Kyoto agreement and Ed Milliband for his role in the Copenhagen negotiations. Nicola Bates in response pointed out that it was a Conservative government that introduced the Clean Air Act and had their own green hero in John Gummer, the first Environment Secretary. Paul Scriven emphasised the need to keep the environment high on the agenda in times of economic difficulty, and the need for local, national and international action. Jillian Creasey asked to be judged on the record of the three Green Party City Councillors in promoting warm homes, wind energy, bus regulation and allotments.
Swords were crossed on several issues. Paul Blomfield pointed out that the City Council, led by his Liberal Democrat opponent, had opposed many local wind farm proposals, but Paul Scriven countered by highlighting that Hillsborough Labour MP Angela Smith had also opposed a local wind farm application. Although all the candidates supported the idea of a Robin Hood tax on financial transactions, Paul Blomfield reminded us that Conservative MEPs had opposed the tax in the European Parliament. Nicola Bates responded by pointing out that Labour had their chance to introduce the tax in the budget but didn’t take it.
The candidates were not afraid of having big green ideas. Jilian Creasey likened the threat of climate change to the threat of war and proposed personal carbon quotas for all citizens. Nicola Bates suggested following Boris Johnson’s proposal in London to introduce electric points for cars across Sheffield. Paul Scriven wanted Sheffield to be the first city that is a micro-generator of power. Paul Blomfield reminded the audience that Sheffield Supertram was Labour’s big idea and wanted to see similar bold developments in wind power.
Steve Goodacre of Sheffield Friends of the Earth said: “It was good to hear the candidates are committed to protecting the environment and doing something about climate change. Hopefully, whoever wins the election will remember these commitments when they are in power.”
The environment has not figured in a big way in the national campaign but all four candidates were keen to stress the green credentials of their parties. Paul Blomfield was happy to stand on Labour’s national record, highlighting the passing of the Climate Change Act and hailing John Prescott for his role in the Kyoto agreement and Ed Milliband for his role in the Copenhagen negotiations. Nicola Bates in response pointed out that it was a Conservative government that introduced the Clean Air Act and had their own green hero in John Gummer, the first Environment Secretary. Paul Scriven emphasised the need to keep the environment high on the agenda in times of economic difficulty, and the need for local, national and international action. Jillian Creasey asked to be judged on the record of the three Green Party City Councillors in promoting warm homes, wind energy, bus regulation and allotments.
Swords were crossed on several issues. Paul Blomfield pointed out that the City Council, led by his Liberal Democrat opponent, had opposed many local wind farm proposals, but Paul Scriven countered by highlighting that Hillsborough Labour MP Angela Smith had also opposed a local wind farm application. Although all the candidates supported the idea of a Robin Hood tax on financial transactions, Paul Blomfield reminded us that Conservative MEPs had opposed the tax in the European Parliament. Nicola Bates responded by pointing out that Labour had their chance to introduce the tax in the budget but didn’t take it.
The candidates were not afraid of having big green ideas. Jilian Creasey likened the threat of climate change to the threat of war and proposed personal carbon quotas for all citizens. Nicola Bates suggested following Boris Johnson’s proposal in London to introduce electric points for cars across Sheffield. Paul Scriven wanted Sheffield to be the first city that is a micro-generator of power. Paul Blomfield reminded the audience that Sheffield Supertram was Labour’s big idea and wanted to see similar bold developments in wind power.
Steve Goodacre of Sheffield Friends of the Earth said: “It was good to hear the candidates are committed to protecting the environment and doing something about climate change. Hopefully, whoever wins the election will remember these commitments when they are in power.”
Tuesday, 1 June 2004
Sheffield’s Local & European Elections
During the recent local and European elections, Sheffield FoE contacted all political parties to ascertain their views regarding three key green pledges:
1) A GM free Sheffield
2) Support for better recycling facilities
3) Better public transport, walking and cycling routes.
The number of candidates signing our pledges, by party were:
Green Party (23)
Conservative (5)
Labour (3)
Independent (2)
Lib Dems (1)
Steve Goodacre sent a letter to the Sheffield Telegraph offering the rest of the Lib Dems another opportunity to tell us where they stand on these three key issues.
Sheffield Friends of the Earth want to work with all political parties to promote policies that protect our environment. We support all local Councillors who are prepared to make a real commitment to green policies
1) A GM free Sheffield
2) Support for better recycling facilities
3) Better public transport, walking and cycling routes.
The number of candidates signing our pledges, by party were:
Green Party (23)
Conservative (5)
Labour (3)
Independent (2)
Lib Dems (1)
Steve Goodacre sent a letter to the Sheffield Telegraph offering the rest of the Lib Dems another opportunity to tell us where they stand on these three key issues.
Sheffield Friends of the Earth want to work with all political parties to promote policies that protect our environment. We support all local Councillors who are prepared to make a real commitment to green policies
Monday, 21 May 2001
General Election 2001
Although Tony Blair does not have to call the next general election for over a year yet, the smart money is on a May poll (another fuel crisis notwithstanding). Elections provide a great opportunity to get the politicians to pay some attention to the environment, and perhaps even to commit themselves to green policies.
The Green X Code Campaign is being organised by FOE with this in mind. In the run up to the election prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) will be asked to sign up to five targets relating to waste, transport, food, climate change and business. Their commitment to these targets will be solid evidence of their environmental credentials - and a useful pledge to hold them to if they are elected.
The five key targets are-
Waste
Provide every household with quality doorstep recycling ensuring no new incinerators are needed and half our waste is recycled by 2010.
Transport
Treble investment in buses and traffic-calming by 2005 so that everyone has access to regular public transport and can live in a safe street.
Food
Make biotech companies responsible for any harm caused by genetically modified crops and foods by introducing strict liability legislation.
Climate change
Protect the world’s climate by cutting CO2 emissions by 20% and generating 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2010.
Business
Make businesses accountable to society by requiring Directors to report on, and take into account, their environmental and social impacts.
Local groups will be the key to the success of this campaign. In the run up to an election PPCs are only likely to be interested in your opinions if you can vote for them. As constituents, and potential voters, local members have a very special place in the hearts of PPCs. We can use this influence to ensure that candidates in and around Sheffield state unequivocally whether they support these five targets.
What constituency are you in? Who is your MP? Who will be representing the main parties at the next election? Are there any local issues that carry a special resonance with any of the key targets? The general election marks a rare opportunity for us to be heard by our elected representatives.
The campaign will begin in February. The essential element will be a postcard with the five targets written on it. PPCs will be asked to sign up to as many of the targets as they can. The more postcards completed, the more commitments made, the better.
Signing the postcard will also be a good opportunity to generate some publicity (for both candidates and FOE). Photographs, street stalls or even public meetings could be used to increase public interest and ensure that pledges are not forgotten. Then the campaign itself will offer more opportunities to reinforce our message- using “telephone trees” to tell local members when politicians are campaigning in the vicinity, and “canvassing the canvassers”- Instead of hiding when they call, why not give them a postcard and ask that the candidate respond in person?
The success of this campaign depends on the amount of pressure, publicity and (most importantly) postcards we can produce. Lots of postcards from local sources will convince PPCs that this is a campaign they must respond to. Do you want to get involved? Whether you just want a supply of postcards to hand out, or you fancy yourself as the next Paxman - contact Steve Goodacre of Sheffield FOE for details (0114 267 0508 or steveg@doctors.org.uk).
Friday, 30 March 2001
Green Cross Code
There are many environmental concerns facing Sheffield ranging from flooding, food scares, problems with transport and waste incineration, not to mention the recent foot and mouth epidemic which caused the closure of much of the Peak District leaving many people in financial crisis. As a result Sheffield Friends of the Earth felt that the environment should be a key issue locally in the general election. We therefore decided to launch the Green X Code campaign in Sheffield to allow the public to gain a more informed vote. We felt that the residents of Sheffield had the right to know whether each of their prospective parliamentary candidates from now on referred to as PPCs) were going to address Friends of the Earth’s five green targets(1). At the same time we hoped that the PPCs would realise the public were concerned about their environment and wanted the problems to be addressed. We therefore held a public meeting to allow discussions of public concerns and to see what exactly the prospective candidates had to say for themselves.
First a street stall was held in Sheffield city centre where people were invited to send the Green X Code postcards to the PPCs in their constituencies with all the information they needed provided. It also gave us the opportunity to invite them to the public meeting.
Sheffield’s PPCs were invited to show their green credentials at a public meeting that was held on Friday 30th March 2001. It showed exactly how much our local politicians really care about the environment, and about 30 of the public came along to voice their concerns, The public meeting focussed on two main constituencies, Sheffield Hallam and Sheffield Central, and all of the PPCs from the main parties were invited. However, not all of them managed to make it. The Hallam candidates were represented by Richard Allen (Lib Dems) and John Hartman (Cons), Gill Furniss (Lab) failed to turn up. From Central Noelle Brelsford (Cons) Bernard Little (Green) and Nick Riley (Socialist Alliance) attended. Richard Caborne (Lab) and Ali Qadar (Lib Dem) were too busy to attend. However, we did receive a post code from Ali Qadar with a cross against each of the five targets.
At the meeting Bernard Little and Nick Riley showed their support for all targets. Richard Allen supported the food, climate change and business targets fully. He would only accept the waste and transport targets with some qualifications as he felt that he could only cross those targets that could realistically be met. Both the Conservatives and Labour candidates refused to put a cross against any targets as they thought it an inappropriate way to show their support of environmental targets.
The issues discussed at the meeting ranged from the local, for instance cleaning up Sheffield parks and the incinerator to how the PPCs thought the global issues should be tackled, for instance reducing CO2 emissions, the problems with George Bush and the Kyoto protocol, GATS and food safety.
This provided a very interesting meeting and the outcome was positive. The PPCs could see that the Sheffield public were very concerned to have a safer and healthier environment for themselves and future generations and hopefully as a result pushed the environment to the top of their political agenda. However, although people gained more information on which to base their vote in June, the public were still a little worried about how much trust they had in each candidate to actually act on what had been discussed during the meeting. It was clear which candidates were more concerned about the environment and perhaps the most interesting point was no Labour representation at all at the public meeting.
(1) All PPCs were invited to sign up to five green pledges. The Green X Code targets are:
Waste: Provide every household with quality doorstop recycling ensuring no new incinerators are needed and half our waste is recycled by 2010.
Transport: Treble investment in buses and traffic calming by 2005 so that everyone has access to regular public transport and can live in a safe street.
Food: Make biotech companies responsible for any harm caused by genetically modified crops and food by introducing strict liability legislation.
Climate Change: Protect the world’s climate by cutting C02 emissions by 20% and generating 20% of electicity from renewable sources by 2010.
Business: Make business accountable to society by requiring directors to report on, and take into account their social and environmental impacts.
First a street stall was held in Sheffield city centre where people were invited to send the Green X Code postcards to the PPCs in their constituencies with all the information they needed provided. It also gave us the opportunity to invite them to the public meeting.
Sheffield’s PPCs were invited to show their green credentials at a public meeting that was held on Friday 30th March 2001. It showed exactly how much our local politicians really care about the environment, and about 30 of the public came along to voice their concerns, The public meeting focussed on two main constituencies, Sheffield Hallam and Sheffield Central, and all of the PPCs from the main parties were invited. However, not all of them managed to make it. The Hallam candidates were represented by Richard Allen (Lib Dems) and John Hartman (Cons), Gill Furniss (Lab) failed to turn up. From Central Noelle Brelsford (Cons) Bernard Little (Green) and Nick Riley (Socialist Alliance) attended. Richard Caborne (Lab) and Ali Qadar (Lib Dem) were too busy to attend. However, we did receive a post code from Ali Qadar with a cross against each of the five targets.
At the meeting Bernard Little and Nick Riley showed their support for all targets. Richard Allen supported the food, climate change and business targets fully. He would only accept the waste and transport targets with some qualifications as he felt that he could only cross those targets that could realistically be met. Both the Conservatives and Labour candidates refused to put a cross against any targets as they thought it an inappropriate way to show their support of environmental targets.
The issues discussed at the meeting ranged from the local, for instance cleaning up Sheffield parks and the incinerator to how the PPCs thought the global issues should be tackled, for instance reducing CO2 emissions, the problems with George Bush and the Kyoto protocol, GATS and food safety.
This provided a very interesting meeting and the outcome was positive. The PPCs could see that the Sheffield public were very concerned to have a safer and healthier environment for themselves and future generations and hopefully as a result pushed the environment to the top of their political agenda. However, although people gained more information on which to base their vote in June, the public were still a little worried about how much trust they had in each candidate to actually act on what had been discussed during the meeting. It was clear which candidates were more concerned about the environment and perhaps the most interesting point was no Labour representation at all at the public meeting.
(1) All PPCs were invited to sign up to five green pledges. The Green X Code targets are:
Waste: Provide every household with quality doorstop recycling ensuring no new incinerators are needed and half our waste is recycled by 2010.
Transport: Treble investment in buses and traffic calming by 2005 so that everyone has access to regular public transport and can live in a safe street.
Food: Make biotech companies responsible for any harm caused by genetically modified crops and food by introducing strict liability legislation.
Climate Change: Protect the world’s climate by cutting C02 emissions by 20% and generating 20% of electicity from renewable sources by 2010.
Business: Make business accountable to society by requiring directors to report on, and take into account their social and environmental impacts.
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