Issue one 2007 MEPs in action For peace, social justice and the environment FREE Radical rethink over UK’s hot4houses ‘Without a radical rethink over the UK’s housing emissions we will fail to meet targets and combat climate change,’ Green MEP Jean Lambert has warned in her new report Hothouses .

Concerns about climate change about 30% of our carbon emissions how it will be implemented for the cannot ignore housing whilst – but this could be reduced if the rental sector. energy use in the home, otherwise right energy saving policies are One of the 27 recommendations known as the ‘domestic sector,’ applied. The mechanisms in place to made in Jean Lambert’s new report amounts to about 30% of the UK’s increase insulation and other forms Hothouses – climate change and carbon emissions. of domestic energy savings however London’s housing is to ensure the Jean, who is Green MEP for are simply not fit for the purpose and public can access consistent London where emissions from the will not make the required impact. information, funding and advice on domestic sector amount to 37%, “There is a lack of co-ordination energy efficiency through ‘one- higher than levels from transport because government departments stop shops’. and the greatest level of any and other agencies are delivering a Jean continued: “If we deal with English region, said that range of schemes and working to energy inefficient homes through Government policies and initiatives different standards. extensive insulation programmes we to reduce such emissions were “What we need to see are higher can also combat fuel poverty, which simply not robust enough. targets and increased funding has doubled since 2003, and increase Although positive action is being for Decent Homes, Warm Front the chance of meeting the taken to ensure that new build and other Government run Governments target of eliminating standards are improved there is a schemes as well as grants, fuel poverty by 2010. By making need to address energy use in the interest free loans, tax breaks and homes both comfortable and capital’s 3.1million homes built reductions on DIY insulation sustainable we can tackle climate before 1995 – over 97% of all materials.” change and meet a social need. London’s housing. 10 million UK This summer the EU Energy “The urgency demanded by the homes are still in need of cavity Performance of Buildings Directive threat of climate change and the wall insulation so it is vital that comes into force in the UK. It has problem of fuel poverty however provisions to improve current the potential to reduce emissions requires a greater and more focussed housing stock are put in place. by requiring that all homes, private commitment to drive this agenda Calling on the UK Government or rented, are to be given an energy forward.” for more joined up thinking and rating similar to that of fridges and For a copy of Hothouses please leadership to apply best practice other white goods. visit www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk from elsewhere in the EU, Jean HOTHOUSES: Jean was joined by Green However the Directive is still not and download a PDF version or call Lambert said; “Energy use in and by Islington Cllr Katie Dawson in her call for a fully transposed into UK law, and 020 7407 6269 for the published homes across the UK account for 'radical rethink' over the UK’s Hothouses. the Government is unclear about report.

cause a breach of the peace – sitting diversion from the world’s real down in a road or stockpiling 300 security needs; tackling climate GREEN MEPS JOIN ANTI- nuclear warheads, each with a change, access to clean water, destructive capacity eight times widespread illness and disease. TRIDENT BLOCKADE greater that the bomb which killed “How can the UK warn other 200,000 in Hiroshima?” countries against nuclear weapons Green MEPs Jean Lambert and joined the Faslane 365 Jean Lambert MEP warned that whilst we continue on this path of blockade of Britain’s ‘Trident’ nuclear submarine base in Scotland as part replacing Trident would be illegal, destruction ourselves? On the of a continuous, year long demonstration calling for the arsenal of unnecessary and a catastrophe for grounds of legality, diplomacy and nuclear weapons of mass destruction to be disarmed. our future and said that the politics such double standards are Government’s plan to spend not acceptable.” Caroline Lucas, who is a co- arrested at the peaceful billions of pounds renewing the Caroline added: “There simply is founder and Co-President of the demonstration for breaching the nuclear weapons system no legal, moral, military or economic ’s cross-party peace after she sat in the road, demonstrated a lack of concern for case for the Government to replace peace initiative group of MEPs and blocking the entrance. the immediate problems the world Trident. If there are billions to spend member of the Campaign of Shortly after her arrest Caroline faces today. She commented; on protecting security the Nuclear Disarmament’s decision- commented; “This irony is “Trident and the continued debate TRIDENT BLOCKADE: Caroline was arrested Government shouldn’t gamble it on making National Council, was extraordinary! What’s more likely to over nuclear weapons is a total for breaching the peace chasing Cold War shadows.”

Caroline Lucas MEP South East Jean Lambert MEP London EU4U! brings the European Parliament to life Three young Londoners brought the European Parliament to life at the end of 2006 when they filmed the new educational DVD from Green MEP Jean Lambert, EU4U! Your voice can make a difference!

The young people making the subjects from ‘Human rights and film, Hanad Abdilleh, Thomas the responsibilities of the state’ to Demmer and Noureddine Touak, all ‘What is social inclusion?’, made an students at Newham Sixth Form excellent discussion tool for College, East London, received teachers and their classes as well as training and work experience as a a starting point for those who wish FILM STARS: Jean is joined by the stars of EU4U! at the premiere professional film crew, both in to know more about Jean’s work. the UK and Brussels, supervised Jean commented; “Made up of representatives can take these Jean concluded; “Following the by film makers Redcurrent 785 members (MEPs), all of whom forward. By working together and success of EU4U! I have now Films . have been elected by over 400 listening to the next generation we commissioned Capacity Global to The DVD explores the links million voters across the 27 member can make the positive changes we all undertake a research project in four between the immediate states, the European Parliament need for a better future.” European cities addressing youth environment and the young impacts on our lives in more ways Speaking after the filming of policies, their own environment and film crews own quality of than we often realise. It can however EU4U! all three of the young film their sense of belonging. I look life. Building on findings be extremely difficult for young producers were enthusiastic about forward to the results next year.” from previous research undertaken people to understand how the the process and their experience Copies of the DVD have now been by Jean, which looked at young Parliament works let alone how they throughout the filming. circulated widely to schools and With the European Parliament people’s attitudes towards their can use it to get their voice heard Noureddine Touak, 18 years old, youth groups across London and seemingly so far away Jean environment, the new film shows and make a difference back here in said; “It has been a great experience the rest of the UK. Lambert knows it can be difficult how she is bringing these results in the UK. that made me feel special and To receive a free copy of the DVD for young people to understand to the policy process in the “As a starting point for the DVD we focused my mind.” EU4U! Your voice can make a how they can make their view European Parliament. took ideas that had come from Teachers at the College also difference! please contact Jean heard and commissioned the film Jean, who was a teacher in previous work I had completed with noted an improvement in the three Lambert’s office by telephone: to help develop such London herself before becoming an another group of young people and students work and involvement in 020 7407 6269 or email understanding. MEP, said the DVD, which addresses demonstrated how elected the class following the project. [email protected] EU DELAY ON SEAL FUR BAN WILL MEAN 200,000 DEATHS

DELAYS to a ban on the import of proposals to stop the slaughter, and waste EU taxpayers’ cash. seal fur will mean over 200,000 it is completely unacceptable that She added: “We don’t need seals are needlessly butchered, the EU Commission is seeking to another study into the methods by Caroline has warned and delay their implementation. which hunters kill seals. There is a demanded an immediate “We need action to halt the hunt large body of evidence, including As Euro MPs we continue to do everything we can to promote moratorium on the trade. now, in line with the Commission’s film footage, showing the true the Green agenda and work towards peace, justice and The MEP, whose own previously stated commit- horrors of the seal hunt.” sustainability across the UK and Europe. Two issues that are proposals to ban the trade last year ments, before it is too late for Last year a Written Declaration high on our agenda at the moment are the desperate need to attracted record cross-party another generation of seals.” calling for the ban on the import of support from MEPs in the European The MEP, who is also a Vice seal products into the EU proposed tackle climate change through Government action to provide a Parliament, said: “The suffering for President of the RSPCA, made her by Dr Lucas broke all records for framework in which people can cut the greenhouse gases they seals will be immense in this year’s comments after it emerged that parliamentary support, attracting emit, and the violence and violation of our human rights that hunt. the Commission intends to the backing of 425 Euro-MPs from a continues to spread around the world. “The European Parliament has investigate killing methods –a range of political groups and EU Although Governments have woken up to the climate backed – by a massive majority – my study which will delay action and member states. change crisis and are now taking small steps forward to change attitudes and actions, they have chosen to stick their heads in the sand and ignore the problems surrounding the so called ‘war Brighton arms factory must close on terror’. The ‘war’ has been used by some to rework international law Caroline has demanded that a deaths of thousands of civilians in and defy international conventions on human rights and the weapons factory in Brighton, Iraq, Lebanon and Gaza is being treatment of those detained (on suspicion, not proof) without which activists say supplied made possible by a weapons factory components to Israel for use in in Sussex. It beggars belief that this trial or any due process. Human rights however are universal and last year’s assault on Lebanon, deadly trade is being pursued here, in indivisible and we are committed to upholding these for all. must close. a UN Peace Messenger City. As she joined peace protestors at “What hope can there be for an a ‘noise demonstration’ outside end to the violence when these DEATH’S DOOR: Caroline joins the gates of EDO-MDM in the UN agents of death are being built in a demonstrators from SmashEDO at a noise Jean Lambert (London) Caroline Lucas (SE England) Peace Messenger City of Brighton city which has become a global demonstration demanding the weapons she said: “Violent conflict and the symbol of peace?” factory must close

2 CAROLINE DEMANDS GOV’T ACTION TO CLIP AIRLINES WINGS Help the homeless Ministers must push for the EU to commitment to tackling climate aviation sector’s growing adopt a package of measures change. greenhouse gas emissions. He must One in seven people using drafted by Caroline and adopted She made her comments after a adopt them and press his EU London's homelessness services by MEPs to tackle the aviation team of researchers at Oxford colleagues to do the same. thie winter were from Eastern industry’s growing contribution University said the low-cost flight “The fact the Blair has refused to Europe. Jean Lambert called for to climate change. boom must end if we are to prevent back my proposals – even though Givernment support for the whole Caroline said the Government’s the worst impacts of climate they received support from many homeless community, to prevent support for massive expansion of change. labour MEPs when they were debated the number of homeless EU the UK’s aviation sector – including “Blair already knows what to do: in Brussels – is yet another example migrants rising and pressure on at Southampton, Gatwick and Lydd END OF THE RUNWAY: Caroline calls for MEPs have backed green proposals of his abject failure to exercise global shelters increasing. airports – undermined its stated government action for a range of measures to tackle the leadership on the environment.” Jean, who led European Parliament discussions over the findings of the European Action Service (ECAS) report on mobility rights in the EU, praised all the UK support organisations for Bird flu – stop the deadly food swap ... homelessness for their continuing efforts, but warned that unless BRITAIN must halt all imports and by halting all poultry movements – Government action is taken to exports of poultry products, live not just from countries where H5N1 reduce the numbers of EU migrants birds and hatching eggs to prevent has struck but also, as a ending up on the streets, the stress the risk of further outbreaks of precautionary measure, those put on these support systems bird ‘flu, Green MEP Caroline Lucas countries where it has not yet been could be critical. has warned. identified, as the government’s chief Jean said; “Here in London a small Following an outbreak of the scientific advisor Professor Sir David number of homeless people are from virus ar a Suffolk factory farm in King has suggested. Eastern Europe. Homeless agencies January, it was revealed that “I have written to the Commission appear to be the only place many tonnes of poultry products are today to call for EU trade rules to be migrants can gain the support and regularly ‘swapped’ between the urgently changed to allow the UK – advice they desperately require, but UK and Hungary. Eggs are sent and other member states – to protect without suitable facilities or funding from the UK to Hungary where the their farmers and wider populations sources the agencies and shelters chicks are reared and slaughtered. from the spread of the virus.” will continue to be put under The slaughtered birds are returned Dr Lucas, who has published increased pressure. to the UK for removal of the breast reports examining the role played “With the right Government meat – the remaining carcass is by factory farming and support and dedicated advice lines then returned to Hungary for international trade in bird flu – and providing up to date and accurate manufacture into turkey sausages. the practice of importing and DUCKING THE ISSUE: Caroline meets the Canada Geese at a wildfowl reserve after the information for people before they “This is a completely unnecessary exporting the same foods between Suffolk outbreak of bird ‘flu come to London, we could help trade – and it poses serious risks by the same countries – added: people into work and avoid many of allowing the spread of the “We must produce food locally from potentially deadly diseases At the same time, we must halt the problems we currently face.” potentially deadly H5N1 virus. It wherever possible – both to cut out such as bird ‘flu – which, if it the cruel and inhumane factory Throughout this winter London’s must be stopped immediately, and the environmental damage and CO2 mutates to a form that is farming methods which are creating Green MEP, Jean Lambert, EU trade rules changed accordingly” emissions produced by transporting transmissible from human to the perfect conditions for the continued to turn her thoughts to said the Green Party Euro-MP. thousands of tonnes of food across human, could cause the deaths of mutation, infection and spread of the homeless population on the “Real bio-security can be achieved the globe and to protect ourselves millions across the globe. animal diseases in the first place.” capital’s streets and supported her call for Government Action by joining the Simon Community. This organisation offers a radical Councils must take recycling seriously News in brief ... alternative to institutional care with a chance to contribute to Animal support everyday life. Their weekly soup run Jean Lambert MEP joined Green provides hot soup and sandwiches Party member Shasha Khan in the Jean and Caroline have given to those in need. London Borough of Croydon to see their support to the Anti As the Christmas celebrations for herself the state of recycling Bullfighting Written Declaration got under way Jean’s support and services in the area after it in the European Parliament and visit to London’s Crisis Open repeatedly failed to meet the Dr Hadwen Trust Petition for Christmas (COC) marked the 35th recycling targets. more ethical, humane and non- anniversary of the centre that has Jean commented: “Recycling animal research techniques. assisted over 20,000 guests and rates in the UK are around 18% but They are now urging others to served a quarter of a million meals other EU countries, for example the do the same. over the charity’s lifetime. With Netherlands, achieve around 64%. local centres providing a variety of British people are not any different 999 rest breaks information and assistance guests to our fellow Europeans and, as we had the chance to explore ways to have seen, are willing to change Jean hit back at claims that an learn new skills and opportunities habits quickly to reach challenging ambulance crew’s break, as laid to access more permanent support. targets. out in the EU Working Time “Homelessness was one of the “There really is no excuse for poor Directive, caused the deaths of main priority areas under the EU performance. It now remains to be two men. She said; “We do have Social Inclusion Strategy 2001 - 2005, seen if local councils can live up to to put saving lives before having and with shelter being part of our the standards of our European a cup of tea but we need to ensure basic human rights we need to neighbours and implement that there are enough staff ensure that this commitment successful recycling schemes that available to meet patient needs continues long into the future.” Jean are accessible to everyone.” and crew rest breaks.” concluded.

3 MEPs launch EU bid to ‘Free West Papua’ ‘PEAK OIL’ THREATENS A Written Declaration was co- on independence when the Dutch sponsored by Green MEPs Jean former colonial rulers withdrew from Lambert and Caroline Lucas the country four decades ago. FOOD SECURITY alongside Plaid Cymru Euro MP Jill “They are still waiting and Evans and Italian Liberal MEP Luigi meanwhile the Papuans continue to Cocilovo. It called for an EU suffer terrible repression, violence intervention to force Indonesia to and abuse at the hands of an respect human rights in West Indonesian Government more Papua and grant the province a interested in securing lucrative free and fair referendum on business deals than in the laws of independence. international human rights.” Following the withdrawal of The Written Declaration was Dutch colonial forces West Papua published to coincide with West has been under military occupation Papua Independence Day, marked by Indonesia for more than 40 by demonstrations outside the years. Human rights abuses of Indonesian Embassy. Papuans continue – with torture, Jean said: “We call on the EU to do disappearances, detention without whatever is in its power to persuade trial, and murder of Papuans at the Indonesia to change its approach hands of the Indonesian military. and grant freedom to the people of Caroline said; “The people of West Papua so that they might Papua were promised a referendum choose their future for themselves.” Russian Embassy Demo BUILDING THREAT TO SE NATURE SITES Protect Russian Human Caroline has warned that the An independent consultant’s Rights: The death of Anna GREEN PUMPKINS: Caroline joins Willy White (left) of the NFU and Hampshire organic Plitovskaya and Alexander farmers Ian and Louise Nelson to inspect the colourful pumpkin crop at Sunnyfields Regional Assembly’s development report warned that rare wildlife was organic shop plan could damage to wildlife sites at risk from increased pollution Litvinenko in London left of international importance and recreational use in some many fearing that human DWINDLING oil stocks and EU energy than traditional methods – across the region. conservation areas. rights violations in Russia had trade and energy policies threaten and we are importing more and more The South-East Plan advocates Caroline added: “The aim of this is reached a crisis point. On the stability of food prices – and of our food from overseas: a building more than half a million to enable more people to move to the Human Rights Day Jean called could cause the UK to be staggering 95 per cent of all fruit new homes across the already South-East in order to boost its for a common strategy across vulnerable to food shortages for eaten in the UK is grown abroad.” over-crowded South-East of economy. But this will be at the the EU to protect Human the first time since the Second Whilst researching the report, England. “Development on this scale expense of the region’s natural Rights in Russia and joined World War, according to a new Caroline asked the UK’s major is completely unsustainable. It poses assets – and the wellbeing of the the London branch of the report by Caroline Lucas with help supermarkets and several a risk to scarce water supplies, local people who already live here. Green’s series of protests from Colin Hines and Andy Jones. Government ministries what steps infrastructure, greenhouse gas “These plans need to be scaled outside Russian Embassies Fuelling a Food Crisis examines they were taking to prepare for the emissions and protected nature sites down and backed with policies to across Europe. the dependence of the EU’s food impact of ‘Peak Oil’ on their food – not to mention the region’s boost the economies of other supplies on oil – for production, supply systems. None of the overheated economy.” she said. regions.” processing and transport – and organisations contacted gave a concludes that food prices are serious response: the DTI and becoming increasingly linked with Cabinet Office both refusing to those of oil, and therefore more answer the question, citing Year of equal 0pportunities exposed to the price volatility of restrictions under the Freedom of These articles are the energy sector. Information Act. Less than half of the UK’s available in large print “Future oil price rises will have a She commented: “The level of citizens know their rights if they massive impact on food security, ignorance about ‘Peak Oil’ amongst face discrimination. Jean, who is on request from the and unless we address the problem UK food retailers is absolutely Co-President of the European MEPs office. now, we could face the prospect of staggering. The era of cheap oil is Parliament’s Intergroup on Ageing, food shortages in the UK – one of ending, and this will have a massive spoke up for the capital’s older For more information about the Europe's largest food importers – impact on the way supermarkets do generation when she launched the Green Party MEPs, their work and and the possibility of starvation in business – but they don’t seem to Mayor of London’s Older People’s campaigns visit some developing countries,” said Dr have considered the issue at all. strategy, Valuing Older People , in www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk Lucas, Green MEP for South-East “The Government’s response is the European Parliament, Brussels. www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk England and a member of the ludicrous. I fear ministers are sitting As Green MEP for London she European Parliament’s Environ- on their hands whilst a food crisis welcomed the strategy and said it Greens in the European ment and International Trade unravels around us and using highlighted a number of issues Parliament, Suite 58, The Hop Committees. spurious Freedom of Information facing older people today: “It is Exchange, 24 Southwark St, She warns that we must change arguments as a way of refusing to vital that many older people receive London, SE1 1TY energy, trade and agriculture admit it.” recognition, for example, for the care Tel: 020 7407 6281 (for Caroline) policies at an EU level if we are to Fuelling a Food Crisis calls on the of their grandchildren and other Tel: 020 7407 6269 (for Jean) avoid a food crisis precipitated by Government to establish a Royal EQUALITY: Jean launches the London relatives on a daily basis.” Jean and Caroline became the UK’s ‘Peak Oil’ – the point at which half Commission on food security. It Older People’s strategy Jean also addressed AGE UK’s first Green Party Members of the of global oil production has been also demands changes to the EU’s General Meeting, attended by Help European Parliament when they consumed, and beyond which trade and energy policies, Green Euro MP Jean Lambert the Aged, National Pensioners were elected to represent London extraction goes into irreversible examines the role of the welcomed the move to increase Convention and Age Concern, and and the South East in 1999. They decline, and prices rise accordingly. supermarket chains in promoting awareness of people’s rights to insisted that laws were put in place were re-elected in June 2004 to Caroline said: “Oil prices have organic, locally grown foods, and equal treatment and a life free of to outlaw ageism completely. serve another five year term. The already risen 7-fold in the last seven calls for change in development discrimination when she “We need the knowledge and skills Greens / EFA Group in the European years. Our food supply systems have policies to encourage agricultural addressed the first ever equality of the more experienced, mature Parliament boasts 42 MEPs and is become increasingly dependent on production for local markets rather summit, marking the launch of person. New EU legislations coming the Parliament’s fourth largest fossil fuels. Industrialised farming than export at the expense of local the European Year of Equal into force will make a start on the political group. techniques use about 50 times more food security. Opportunities. desperately needed changes.”

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