Newspaper of the Brighton & Hove Green Party - Spring 2008 - 33rd Edition www.brightonandhovegreenparty,org.uk

In this issue: Democracy in danger: how changes to local government may damage SHAME ON YOU! decision-making for ever page 2 Omar freed: Cllr Keith Taylor meets Greens share residents’ anger and dismay at post office closures the woman behind the Free Omar Campaign page 3 Greens are furious at the way in which under threat. have fatally undermined any such Do we need supermarkets? page 4 Brighton and Hove residents have Both Celia Barlow and David Lepper campaign at the last minute, and will been let down by their elected politi- promised that they would campaign have to live with the fact that they Brighton rock - Bill Randall meets cians. At the parliamentary vote on for the threatened post offices to be could have chosen to save these post Jack Hazelgrove page 5 post offices on 19th March, two of our kept open. It's useless for them to offices, but chose not to. When MPs local Labour MPs - Celia Barlow and pledge to campaign locally and then like David Lepper and Celia Barlow say David Lepper - voted with the go on to doom every other post office one thing locally while voting for Government in support of the national in the country. exactly the opposite at Westminster, Ticket to Ride post office closure programme - flying Caroline Lucas MEP, who will be do they think we won't notice their Do as I say, not do as I do seems to directly in the face of their promises standing for Brighton Pavilion at the hypocrisy?” be the message from the City Council's to campaign to keep open five post next General Election, said, “By voting Brighton and Hove Green Party have Tories. offices in Brighton and Hove that are in favour of closure nationally, they campaigned against post office clo- At last May's council elections the sures from the outset, working closely Tories invited voters to 'Vote Blue, Go with local sub-postmasters to organise Green', but after one year in power, petitions, which were signed by thou- what is the truth? sands of people, and galvanise action. When the Tories set their first The Greens were also the only local Council budget, Greens proposed a party to organise a public meeting, at sliding scale for residents' parking which local people had an opportunity charges based on vehicle carbon emis- to quiz post office officials. At the sions. We want to reward drivers who meeting on 6th December last year, choose greener cars with a lower fee, Caroline Lucas put forward the idea of and balance this up with a higher local authorities working with Post charge for gas guzzlers. The Tories Office Ltd to keep these public rejected this plan even though it is facilities open long before other already working well in Richmond. authorities such as Essex County Instead, to help the Tories make up Council had the idea! for their financial crisis, residents now Local people will never forgive their face a blanket hike in parking charges, MPs for this terrible betrayal. whatever car they drive. They placed their trust in their No one is happy about post office closures. Caroline Lucas MEP handed a petition to Post Office Ltd at Air quality in the city is in many the public meeting in December. Local historian, Selma Mountford MBE (pictured front) was a key elected representatives and have been places at dangerous levels, and speaker at the public meeting. badly let down. making more of walking, cycling and buses offers a way forward. It is with some dismay that Brighton & Hove Buses are looking to cut some services which are helping to reduce car dependency. We are challenging these cuts and challenging all councillors to support these services by taking a ride on the bus rather than driving in their cars. Greens have proposed to end free parking for councillors at city centre Lanes and Norton Road car parks. Yes, whereas everyone else has to pay to park, councillors can park for free even when not on council duties - very handy when shopping! As an alternative, councillors can have a free bus pass, which all Green council- Green councillors either cycle or take the bus to carry out their duties. Cllr Ian Davey uses lors take up, (cont’d overleaf) two wheels, not four. Page 2 - GreenLeaf - Newspaper of the Brighton & Hove Green Party - Spring 2008 Democracy in danger Whose beach is it, anyway? the Executive. It's then either the Brighton & Hove Green Party fully totally negates the reasons for taking Leader or a Cabinet member who take supports the Barking Mad campaign to the dog for a walk.” all the decisions - despite any other combat the City Council's proposals to Caroline Lucas MEP, who is a Vice parties’ alternative solutions. Current ban dogs from our beaches and President of the RSPCA, has brought proposals rule out guaranteed speak- requiring them to be kept on leads on the issue to their attention, pointing ing rights for all parties in Cabinet golf courses. out that this 'sledgehammer to crack a meetings. Animals have rights too, and an nut' is “essentially a ban on dog Because the Conservatives have the outright ban is also unfair on the owners - and it can only have terrible most councillors, it is likely they will responsible dog owners who keep consequences for human health, ani- form an all-Tory Cabinet. their pets under control and clear up mal welfare and civil liberties.” “This is bad for democracy, because after them. Green councillors, Bill Randall, Ben other parties and viewpoints are being Ben Duncan, Queen's Park councillor Duncan, Rachel Fryer and Keith Taylor shut out,” continued Keith Taylor. and the Greens' parliamentary candi- joined other protesters and their dogs "With a hung council like ours, there date for Brighton Kemptown, said: “Of in the Doggie Demo from Kemptown is a good case for a cross-party course we shouldn't be extending dog to Brighton Town Hall on Saturday 8th Councillor Keith Taylor executive with opposition councillors Green Councillors are calling for chairing scrutiny committees with pol- changes to the City Council's demo- icy development powers, as well as cratic process to be delayed to allow looking at Cabinet decisions. time for public involvement and “It's also vital that decisions are proper debate. properly debated before they are made The council has been instructed by - with all parties' spokespeople having central Government to replace its speaking rights in Cabinet and existing committee system with a Executive Member meetings. In Leader and Cabinet model, where an denying this fundamental democratic all-powerful Leader and his/her cabi- right, both the Tories and Labour are net make all day to day decisions. threatening to dismantle a vital strand However, while legislation doesn't of our local democracy. require adoption of the new system “The current Council Leader, Cllr until May 2009, both Conservative and Brian Oxley (Con) has staked his Labour councillors are rushing to credibility on delivering the best change by May this year. Greens call system of democracy we can get, yet this 'indecent haste'. he's just announced he's quitting as Green councillors, Bill Randall, Ben Duncan, Rachel Fryer and Keith Taylor joined other supporters and “Such a tight timetable doesn't Leader. I don't call that much of an their dogs in the Doggie Demo from Kemptown to Brighton Town Hall on Saturday 8th March in allow enough time for a new system to endorsement, do you?” support of the Barking Mad campaign. be properly developed with public and Greens will continue to fight for the bans from beaches or open spaces, March in support of the campaign. councillor involvement,” said Green best possible deal in the constitution and I am delighted that the Greens Caroline Lucas has also urged coun- Convenor Keith Taylor. when full council votes on its adoption have been able to play a role in the cillors to reconsider the ban, and is Under the new system, councillors on April 26. campaign against these ridiculous calling on all concerned residents to elect a Leader, who then appoints proposals.” sign a petition on Cabinet members to become part of Keeping dogs on leads on golf www.petitiononline.com/BRIGHTON courses will also affect those who live further from the beach, particularly Water, water everywhere those in the northern edge of the Ticket to ride (cont’d from page 1) city, in areas such as Patcham. Cllr as this allows us to travel more It's great to see that the Council is proposing action on bottled water. Cllr Keith Pete West, a local resident, is very sustainabaly to wherever our duties Taylor, Green Party convenor, is suggesting that all future council meetings serve aware of the effects that such restric- take us around the city. tap water in jugs and proper glasses, rather than the usual (you've guessed it) tions will have on people's quality of Labour councillors silently joined bottled variety in plastic cups. In particular, Keith has made the suggestion for a life. He observes that, “a huge the Tories in failing to support our meeting that discusses . . . erm . . . action on bottled water. number of people near me own dogs, proposal. The explanation from the and walking them on the local golf Conservative Chair of Environment course gives them and their animals speaks volumes: 'it takes too long on enormous pleasure. the bus, so I drive'. “If dogs have to be kept on leads, Vote blue, go green? Hmm, I don't they can’t exercise properly, which think so!

Cheers! Brighton & Hove Green Councillors drink to the city's health - with fresh tapwater! GreenLeaf - Newspaper of the Brighton & Hove Green Party - Spring 2008 - page 3 Portrait of a community campaigner Keith Taylor, Convenor of the Brighton and Hove Greens, speaks to Jackie Chase, the Brighton woman who led a community campaign to free Omar Deghayes from captivity in Guantanamo Bay. I tell her that I hope the Home Office will allow him to do so by granting indefinite leave to remain. Omar has suffered six years of illegal interrogation, imprisonment, deprivation and humiliation. That has now got to stop and Omar must be allowed to start living a normal life again. The Green Party will continue to campaign for this to be allowed.

Councillor Keith Taylor (right) with Jackie Chase (left) and recently freed Omar Deghayes (centre) I meet Jackie in her music studio under the viaduct “The Racial Forum proved to be toothless and, on the London Road. “Welcome to the Tardis,” she when they failed to support the Green Party motion says. “You will not believe the fantastic networks calling for Omar's release, I knew I would have to that have sprung from this little studio,” she tells me find other groups to support the struggle to get as I perch on a speaker amp to conduct the interview. Omar returned.” Building alliances is a crucial part of Jackie Chase's Just before Christmas last year, the US Government formula for successful community campaigning. The finally released Omar and fellow detainee Jamil el- Green Party was an early recruit to her fight to free Banna, returning them to Britain. Omar Deghayes from the notorious Camp Orange at “Surely that must have been a most satisfying con- Guantanamo Bay. My motion, seconded by Green clusion to a successful campaign?” I suggest. “But it Councillor Bill Randall, calling on the Government to is not over by a long chalk,” says Jackie. “Up till seek the return of Omar, received unanimous support February 14th he was living under stringent bail con- from the Council and growing involvement of the ditions, including a curfew and electronically tagged. party to secure the former Saltdean resident's Not only that, the Spanish authorities were threaten- release. ing to start extradition proceedings against him. “The Greens Party’s support was incredibly impor- “Thankfully that threat and the curfew restrictions tant to the campaign,” Jackie tells me, “and news of have been lifted. However, he remains in limbo as far that support and that of The Argus reached Omar via as his status in this country is concerned and he is his lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith. It really helped sus- still separated from his wife, Marian and his six year tain him during his six years' incarceration.“ old son Suleiman, whom he has never met. Born in Oban, Argyle and married to an American “He cannot rebuild his life until all these issues are lecturer with two teenage sons, Jackie started as an resolved. He wants to work and re-sit some law intensive care nurse. She was in Beirut in 1982 when exams, but with the continuing anxiety and uncer- Israeli forces stood by as Christian militiamen massa- tainty, focusing on work and study will be difficult.” cred 2,000 Palestinians in Sabra and Shatila camps. I broach the subject of Omar's state of mind with “I was there to witness the terrible aftermath and trepidation. “Like many other detainees, he endured was aghast at the scenes. I was traumatized by what waterboarding and other appalling interrogation I saw and I determined that the only way to bring techniques, some of them he simply will not speak understanding among communities would be through about.“ local activism,” says Jackie. A pepper spray attack by one of the guards result- I ask whether the Sabra and Shatila experiences ed in the loss of an eye, for which only now Omar is had undermined her faith in mankind. “Not at all,” receiving treatment. Despite the horrific conditions she declares, “I believe in democracy, although it is and treatment, Jackie says that he kept hold of his terribly fluid and only as good as those feeding into sanity by devising strict routines for himself. it.” “Every morning he would run round his cell, do The after effects of the attacks on the Twin Towers press ups and try and keep fit. Mental debating in New York were not only a disaster for people like exercises also ensured that he kept a grip on his Omar. Jackie, who had become involved in Amnesty intellect. International and the Racial Action Forum, was “He has seen recordings of the many news broad- appalled by unprovoked attacks on Muslims in this casts that covered his case and is determined to meet city which, she feels, the authorities did little to as many of those who fought for his release as possi- prevent. ble, to thank them personally.” page 4 - GreenLeaf - Newspaper of the Brighton & Hove Green Party - Spring 2008 Supermarkets - who needs them? Brian Schofield meets some who don't instead started popping in to shops of, instead of the supermarket system or not care about the sweatshop or The average British adult will spend when I was passing. If anything, I've where 'might is right'.” forced labour conditions, and the three months of their life in the saved time - particularly now that I Sara and Mark have decided to con- environmental consequences of how supermarket, battling with the wonky get a veg-box delivered. The whole tinue their resolution. Although goods are grown or made, transported trolleys and wondering where the 'convenience' thing surrounding the supermarkets can be convenient, and and sold to us.” management have moved the eggs to supermarkets is a myth - you just (on occasion) even a little fun, they And that's something that she, and this time. start shopping differently, grabbing ultimately conceal the true conditions a growing number of Brightonians, But does it have to be this way? Can stuff while you're out and about. of production for supposedly cheap find they can no longer stomach. we live without supermarkets? A grow- “I buy a lot less packaged and pro- goods. “We have been made to forget ing number of residents are giving it a cessed food now - so even if my apples or whatever cost 5p more (but I doubt that), I'm better off in so many ways.” Sara Bragg and Mark Erickson from the North Laine feel the same. They made a New Year's resolution in 2007 to steer clear of the supermarket chains for a year: “Having campaigned You can now shop on-line at www.pulseorganics.com against the new Sainsbury's on the station site, we were determined not to be seen creeping out of it loaded down with bags,” says Sara. Sara also found she could make more savings when liberated from the lure of supermarket promotions. “We used to pop into the supermarket for one or two items and come out with dozens. We'd then either consume them unnecessarily or they'd end up Martin shops organically at Pulse in the Open in the bin.” The best savings Sara and Market which also sells ‘scoop & weigh’. Mark found were through visiting try, and they claim to have no shops with 'scoop and weigh' for food- Can supermarkets be sustainable? regrets. stuffs like rice or cereals, which save Paul Steedman looks at their ‘greenability’ “I just had an epiphany at the milk packaging as well as cash. counter,” says Martin Grimshaw of They also found their diet got Credit where credit is due. Tesco have never-ending choice - up to 30,000 Hove. “It was when they'd changed healthier, because they cut down on committed to carbon labelling every product lines in a single store - which the cartons from cardboard to plastic, “processed high fat and high sugar product sold in their stores and are doesn't sit comfortably with the need and I thought, 'you know what, this is foods that deliver high profits.” It was investing £25 million in a new to challenge our excessive consump- madness, I'm out of here,' and I less stressful too, with social contact Sustainable Consumption Institute at tion. walked out.” That was in 1996, and and chat in local shops replacing the Manchester University. Wal-Mart (for After three inquiries in the last Martin's not gone to a supermarket mania of the supermarket aisles. “The which read ASDA) has set targets to eight years, supermarkets continue to since. “The first benefit was that my queues, the harsh lighting, the traips- double the fuel efficiency of its emerge almost untouched by the UK food bill fell. It's a myth that super- ing round, the time-consuming dilem- trucks, make its stores 20% more Competition Commission, whose main markets are cheaper. Some things mas of pointless choice...” energy efficient and send no waste to concern seems to be ensuring that might be, but many items are more A key factor in their decision was a landfill. M&S's all-encompassing Plan shoppers have a choice between expensive. Like high-profile branded wish to support Infinity, a local work- A ('because there is no Plan B') sets Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA and products, but that's not what I shop ers' co-operative, that brings a gen- out their strategy to go carbon- Morrison's, rather than instead of for. uinely new relationship between con- neutral, triple their sales of organics them. “The whole shopping experience is sumers and producers. ”We’d rather and sell only certified fish and fair- Fortunately Caroline Lucas MEP has also much less stressful. I ditched the put our money into supporting the trade sugar and jam. stepped into the moral breach left hellish hour-long weekly shop and kind of system we want to see more On the face of it, the supermarkets open by government and the regula- are working hard to go green. But tors. Just weeks ago, her proposal to before tearing up your Greenleaf in launch an EU investigation into super- outrage at this greenwashing, hang market dominance was agreed by over on! While supermarkets are getting half of all MEPs in the European better, can they ever actually be truly Parliament, becoming official parlia- sustainable? The evidence suggests mentary policy. not. Their huge market share gives Awaiting a response from the them massive buying power - which European Commission, Caroline said can ironically mean that the costs of “We hope the EU will commit to a ‘greener’ standards are pushed onto thorough investigation of the sector already hard-pressed suppliers and and propose stronger planning polcies workers. Supermarket economies of to deal with any such abuses it finds - scale depend on bulk buying from protecting our already beleaguered across the globe - hardly a recipe for and usually under-rewarded farmers, seasonal sourcing. the environment and rural And the supermarket business communities." model is built around a fantasy of GreenLeaf - Newspaper of the Brighton & Hove Green Party - Spring 2008 - page 5 Jack Hazelgrove: Brighton through and through Bill Randall meets this highly respected member of the community, and longstanding but disillusioned Labour supporter, who has now joined the Greens

Like a stick of local rock, Jack stood down in 2007. Hazelgrove is Brighton through and For good measure, Jack is also a through. Born just before the Second magistrate and chairs the local branch World War, he was raised in the North of the United Nations Association and Laine and as a very small boy lived the local branch of Bus Users UK (he over his father's pub, the Sportsman's has never owned a car). He is a Call, in King Street. member of the Older People's Council The pub and most of the street dis- where he takes a particular interest in appeared under the bulldozer more transport and the environment. And if than 40 years ago to make way for a all that's not enough, he is learning car park. Long before that, the family Italian. had moved the short distance to the “Jack is a very welcome addition to basement of 36 Sydney Street, three the Green Party,” says Keith Taylor, doors away from his mother's parents. Convenor of the Green Group of Councillors. “He brings a huge amount After the war, Jack's father worked of experience and local knowledge to in the family business supplying fresh our table. Furthermore, he is a fish to the seafront hotels and restau- politician of the highest integrity and rants. The Hazelgroves are made of honesty, who took a principled stand stern stuff. Jack's grandfather was on the council's abortive stock coxswain of the Brighton lifeboat, and transfer attempt. We are all very his grandmother and other local pleased he has joined us.' women took over the lifeboat in the First World War when the men were away. His maternal grandfather, who migrated to Brighton from the Sussex countryside, worked on the railway. Life was very different in the North season ticket holder and a member of After university a professional life- Laine in the 1940s and 1950s from the supporters' club at the Albion in time in teaching started at a Hackney today's raffish inner city quarter. later life and watching from the open comprehensive school and continued “Sydney Street had two fish and chip terrace in all weathers. His brother, in Kent and Brighton. In Maidstone, shops, a fishmonger, a butcher, a meanwhile, captained Brighton Boys Jack was district secretary of the baker and a greengrocer,” says Jack. at football. National Association of Teachers in “We all had ration books. Our family Two years of National Service Further Education and a member of was registered with Mrs Warmington, followed school, and then Jack went the district council from 1984 to 1992. the grocer in Sydney Street, and that's to Oxford, where he read History and Shortly after his return to Brighton, where we did our shopping. My grand- counted Peter Jay and Dennis Potter he was elected to East Sussex County parents' flat was gas-lit, and I can still among his contemporaries. As Council in 1993 and chaired the hear the hissing of the mantle.” treasurer of the university Labour special education sub-committee. He Club, he enrolled Margaret Callaghan, moved on to the newly formed Jack's education began in Middle later Baroness Jay, into the party that Brighton and Hove Council in 1997 Street at Brighton's oldest school was his political home for more than where he was chair of Housing. He (founded in 1805), and from there he 50 years. went to Brighton and Hove Grammar School, now BAHSVIC. A spot on his lung, probably caused by the damp conditions in the Sydney Street base- Remove this gag on free speech ment, prevented him from playing The profile of Jack Hazelgrove tells support for a political party’ or 'can- imposing an undemocratic cabinet sport, but not from becoming a only half the story of one of the Green vasses in the interests of any political system on the council. Party's newest members. party with the exception of delivering Their views strike a chord with many GreenLeaf also held a political ques- political party leaflets'. other people in the city. It's a pity not tion and answer session with Jack The Green Party believes the gag everybody is allowed to join in the where he explained why he had left should be removed immediately to growing chorus of disapproval. the Labour Party to join the Greens. restore the basic human right of free However, we are prevented from speech to OPC members, who are printing it by it a gagging rule that removed from the political arena sim- FOR RENT bars Jack and other elected members ply for serving their communities. 3-bed semi-detarched 30s-style house of the Brighton and Hove Older We can tell you, of course, that in Patcham. Original features, stripped People's Council (OPC) from making other former Labour members have floors, open fireplace, double-glazing and central heating. Free onroad park- political statements. joined the Greens because they are ing, 3 mins from bus stop. Large gar- Suspension is the reward for any disillusioned with the New Labour den, suitable for growing own veg, member of the OPC who 'speaks or project, dismayed by the illegal war in £950 pcm. Contact Mrs M Lomoh, publishes any written or artistic work Iraq and angered by a government 01273 565755 or 07789 054229 with the intention of affecting public that starves the city of funds and is Page 6 - GreenLeaf - Newspaper of the Brighton & Hove Green Party - Spring 2008 Foredown Tower The downside of Greens challenge Portland plans 24-hour drinking Brighton & Hove Council is backing a proposal by Sussex Police to reduce alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour. Greens have warmly welcomed the decision to establish a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) in the city centre, which will mean tighter controls over future applications for extended licensing hours or new drinking premises. The proposed zone covers central Brighton which has the most pubs and clubs and the most serious public dis- Foredown Tower saved - for the time being order and violent crime. Many licensed The temporary stay of execution for premises in the CIA are large, vertical Foredown Tower in Portslade might drinking places, which can attract have brought a sigh of relief to all heavier drinking and more crime. those who want to see it survive and Greens had called for the zone to be thrive, but the way the issue was extended into residential areas such handled by the administration brings as Hanover, Lewes Road and parts of a note of despair to many of those North Laine, and Convenor, Cllr Keith Cllr Ian Davey was instrumental in putting a stop to a lap dancing licence at the Portland Hotel who witnessed it at close hand. Taylor, expressed disappointment at Councillor Ian Davey, prospective par- hundreds of petition signatures, loads Cllr Amy Kennedy who, as a Green the decision not to include these liamentary candidate for Hove, helped of letters, and a public demo outside member of the Culture, Recreation & areas. local residents to a resounding victory the venue making it loud and clear Tourism Committee (CRT), was at the Cllr Keith Taylor said, “Residents put over a proposed lap-dancing venue in that lap dancing is not what local Extraordinary meeting, comments, up with a lot of noise and littering as a quiet residential part of Hove. Ian people wanted in their neighbour- “The last-minute U-turn came about people spill out from pubs and clubs. lives just a few yards from the hood. because the Tories took fright at what Not including these streets could Portland Hotel pub that had put in an Faced with such strongly expressed to them was a totally unforeseen encourage more new applications for outlandish license application, which opposition, the Licensing Committee strength of opposition to their plans. pubs and clubs in residential streets the Tories had tried to sneak past the had little choice but to turn down the They had completely failed to think it seeking to avoid the 'presumption Licensing Committee before anyone application, and the Portland Hotel through, and the meeting was against new licences' in the CIA. noticed. will now, hopefully, be a local family shrouded in mystery until just a few “Too many city centre residents are When the news leaked out, local pub that fits into its surroundings. days beforehand. Once the news was feeling the downside of our 24-hour action was quickly galvanized, with out, local people, backed by the drinking culture. I get daily reports of Greens, acted very quickly to tell the noisy pubs and revellers and antisocial Tories what they really should have behaviour on a scale which has led Greens angry at care home closure known all along - that they cannot act many families to move out of the area in this underhand way to bring about altogether. unpopular decisions. “However, Brighton & Hove is the Brighton & Hove Green Party has Rachel Fryer says, “Although this “As a result, the meeting, chaired by first council to introduce Special expressed anger and dismay at the figure was provided by a surveyor, we the Tory Lead Member for CRT, was a Stress Areas (SSAs) so that areas out- planned closure of the Vernon Gardens believe it may be vastly inflated. The shambles, and if this is any represen- side the zone can be monitored. Resource Centre in Hove, and at the Council has had five years to find the tation of the next few years of Tory "The reason for restricting the way in which the issue has been money to refurbish and update this rule in the city, it bodes badly for the zone's size was that the Council's handled by the City Council's centre, which is officially rated as future.” Licensing Team did not feel there was administration. good. It seems as if the decision to Now that the closure threat has yet enough legal evidence to prove The decision to close the popular close Vernon Gardens was made long been put back, Foredown Tower is that anti-social behaviour and vio- and highly valued residential home before the meeting, without concern being better publicised, with plans for lence was directly related to the and day care centre for elderly people for the distress that this will cause to it to become an important gateway to licensed premises and there were was made by the Adult Social Care and elderly and vulnerable people.” the proposed South Downs National concerns over possible legal chal- Health Committee at the end of She adds, “We strongly suspect that Park. lenges from publicans.” January, on the casting vote of the the real motive is to transfer services Conservative committee chair. to the private sector. Two decades ago Rachel Fryer, Green councillor and there were 15 residential homes in the spokesperson on Adult Social Care, city. With the Vernon Gardens closure, argued that the decision makes a non- only one will be left. sense of the consultation process, in “We are concerned the independent which just 12 percent of the 78 sector tends to have less highly respondents wanted the home to be trained and qualified staff, higher closed. The vast majority of the long- staff turnover and consequently a less and short-stay residents, day centre consistent and a lower quality of care. users, their relatives and staff, all “There is already a shortage in the urged the Council to explore other city of transitional beds, and there are options. fears that closing Vernon Gardens will The Greens also pour scorn on the increase pressure on hospitals. Council’s claim that the centre, which “This is a short-sighted, quick-fix is deemed 'not-fit-for-purpose', will solution which will have serious long- cost £1.5m to put right. term implications for some of our most vulnerable residents.” GreenLeaf - Newspaper of the Brighton & Hove Green Party - Spring 2008 - page 7 Green women ‘C’s the Day’ Greens say no to Marina plans Rev Anthea Ballam was a driving force behind an inspirational day Cancer, the 'Big C', is epidemic. It has and lecturer and psychoanalyst Beata doubled in the last 30 years and will Bishop. Green councillor, Rachel Fryer double again in the coming 20. also donated her musical talents with Although millions are invested in a superb piano recital in the middle of research, the Green Women of the day. Brighton and Hove believe not enough In the afternoon Caroline Lucas MEP is being done to invest in cancer pre- led a discussion on the relationship vention. C's the Day was inspired by between the environment and cancer. the death of writer and academic, The day concluded with an animated Professor Julia Briggs, who lived in Q&A session chaired by Professor Brighton and died six months ago. Marilyn Deegan of Kings College. The event was held at the Friends There is no definite way of prevent- Meeting House on 9th February to ing cancer for certain, but it's possible promote being healthy, staying to work effectively towards prevention This view over to the sea could be lost forever if the Marina succumbs to too much high-rise develop- healthy and reducing the risk of by diet and changing ones lifestyle, ment, say Cllrs Ben Duncan (left) and Georgia Wrighton (right). cancer. and this came across strongly in many C’s the Day featured a number of of the talks. Proposals to rebuild parts of Brighton a fantastic visual setting. top speakers, including Catherine It is hoped that C's the Day will be Marina got the thumbs-down from “There is much to treasure here in Cameron, a local psychologist special- useful in helping and inspiring many Green councillors when it was dis- terms of the built environment too. ising in pain, Professor Jane Plant, of those that came to the event. cussed at the Environment Committee Nearby are some of the most spectac- on 20th March. ular historic environments in the City, Improvement fund for Madeira Drive? Green environment spokesperson, notably Lewes Crescent and Sussex Wouldn’t it be great if some of our seafront boulevard and as a showcase Georgia Wrighton, warned the com- Square. most popular tourist spots could be events space. mittee that, if given the go-ahead, "The scale of development on a tract supported and improved by some of Greens feel that the area should the Planning Advisory Note (PAN) of land that is essentially cut off from the thousands of visitors who come have public art to celebrate the rich would give a 'go ahead' to massive the rest of the city, would necessitate and enjoy our city? tradition of such events as the development on the site. more open space and infrastructure Green councillors, led by Pete West, Vintage Car Rally and perhaps a beach Labour and Tory councillors voted for its new influx of residents than through the plans over objections appears to be allowed for under the from Green councillors. plans. Cllr Wrighton said, “While we wel- “And, it would be madness to put a come some aspects of the PAN - such building of any sort right on the as a Masterplan for the evolution of shoreline and up to the sea defences the site, and its attention to walking, when all the climate indicators predict cycling and public transport - in the rising sea levels and an increasing longer term the development could be prevalence of violent storms. more damaging than beneficial. "The scale of development envisaged “It might be a developer's dream, by the plan takes a short-sighted view but that's as far as it goes. It will do and further work is needed to ensure nothing for the local environment and the plan will provide a truly sustain- the volume of objections to it tells us able future for the area." “Madeira Drive is a disgrace, and could be so much better,” says Councillor Pete West very clearly that local people simply Cllr Ben Duncan, prospective parlia- spokesperson for Culture, Recreation sculpture park featuring a woodhenge, don't want it. mentary candidate for Brighton and Tourism (CTRT), have proposed a in tune with the modern folklore of “The Marina is set in a unique natu- Kemptown, said, ““This is a missed Madeira Drive Restoration and Same Sky's Burning of the Clocks. ral environment, surrounded by sea, opportunity for an imaginative and Improvement Fund which could work Pete says, “Madeira Drive is in a beach and cliffs, which are designated sensitive approach to development. with a small levy on ticket sales for shocking state, which is letting us all as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The PAN could have shown the way for major events or voluntary contribu- down. Installing some public art and "The beach and sea have intrinsic development which respects the char- tions from event organisers. restoring the beautiful Victorian iron- ecological value and the cliffs provide acter and setting of the Marina site.” Big Beach Boutique 4, alone, which work and other features will not only will sell an estimated 22,000 tickets enhance the marketability of events, for two nights running, could gener- but will also mean that local residents ate up to £44,000 and be a great kick- who can't use Madeira Drive while start to the Fund. events are on, are compensated by Sadly, the council does not share improvements which can be enjoyed this vision, and have poo-pooed the all year round.“ Greens’ idea. Ben Duncan, Queen's Park councillor Yet Labour councillors Gill Mitchell and the Greens’ parliamentary candi- and Warren Morgan are making a big date for Brighton Kemptown, adds, song and dance about the Madeira “Kemptown beach has been neglected Lift, which makes it all the more sad for years and this is a really exciting that this beautiful example of proposal to give the east of the city a Victorian engineering was allowed to waterfront to be proud of - where decay while they were in a position to facilities like Madeira Lift are properly do something about it. funded, alongside some new additions So the Greens are not going to give in keeping with the area’s history and up! The whole area of Madeira Drive is residents' wishes.” hugely important, both as a heritage GreenLeaf - Newspaper of the Brighton & Hove Green Party - Spring 2008 - page 8 Caroline Lucas: help us make history Greens look set to make from animal welfare (she's a Greens are already in pole history in Brighton and Hove Vice President of the RSPCA) position. There are nine local with the election of Caroline to the promotion of organic Green councillors in the con- Lucas as the UK's first Green food, she has also taken a stituency, to only six Tory MP at the next General lead role in the campaigns and five Labour councillors, Election. against the Hollingdean and no LibDems. Caroline is currently a depot and the Newhaven Pete West, who is heading Member of the European Incinerator the Party's General Election Parliament for the Green Now Caroline has a real campaign for Caroline, says Party. Now she's been chance of winning a seat at “In Caroline Lucas, we have a selected as the Greens' Westminster as the UK's first highly respected and influen- prospective parliamentary Green MP - and Brighton has tial world class politician, candidate for Brighton a chance to make history! who we know will serve Pavilion constituency. Polling experts are predict- Brighton and Hove well and Caroline is already well- ing a Green win in Brighton make the City proud when known to many people Pavilion, beating all three of she is elected here as the locally, having assisted them the Westminster parties first true Green voice in on a broad range of issues in whenever Gordon Brown Parliament. her role as the area's MEP. should call the election. Voted The Observer's Championing causes ranging In local council votes, the “Ethical Politician of the Year 2007”, Caroline has a strong record of working hard for constituents, as well as of being a tireless campaigner for peace, social justice, economic and environmental action.”

Caroline Lucas: a fresh voice for Brighton people Caroline says: “I'm hon- oured to have been given the chance to represent and With your support, Caroline Lucas could be Britain’s first ever Green MP, and serve the people of Brighton the first woman MP for Brighton Pavillion and Hove. I'm already definitely very winnable with have both the radical policies receiving tremendous sup- your support. and the political commitment port, both in the City and As a Green MP I would aim needed to deliver them. from across the country, in to do everything I can to my bid to become Brighton's serve the people of Brighton How can I help make - and Britain's - first Green and Hove, as well as to act as history? MP. a champion for the Green We need your help in making With the largest group of agenda, providing a this campaign a success. We Green councillors elected to a connection with community need help with leafleting, major authority, and a fan- campaigning and activism. canvassing, phone canvass- tastic 22 per cent of the vote A huge thank you to every- ing, fundraising, expertise won by Keith Taylor at the one who is pledging support and encouraging others to last General Election, to this historic campaign”. help. Brighton Pavilion is Making the breakthrough If you would like to sup- in Westminster will send port the campaign to make shock waves through the history in Brighton & Hove, political establishment, lead- please complete and return ing to real change in the way the form (left), or contact us Green and social justice today at: issues are tackled, and [email protected] paving the way for more or call 01273 782235 Green MPs that will truly rep- Brighton and Hove is dif- resent your concerns. While ferent from other places. the other parties are only Let's show the world that just beginning to wake up to difference by being the first issues like climate change, UK city to elect a Green MP. it's the Greens alone who Printed by Newsquest, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton. Promoted by Lizzie Deane on behalf of Brighton and Hove Green Party, both of 39-41 Surrey St, Brighton BN1 3PB