First Agenda – Green Party Autumn Conference 2008

September 5th to 8th, 2008 at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London

Contents:

page Introduction 2

Section A (Reports) – to be included in the Second Agenda

Section B (Voting Papers) B10 Culture Voting Paper 3

Section C (Policy Motions) C21 Trade Union Reps 4 C22 Update EU Policy 5 C23 EU Policy – Biofuels 5 C24 Ammunition 5 C25 Armed Forces 5 C26 Afghan Opium 6 C27 Enabling Motion – Policing 6 C28 EU Policy - Social Chapter 6 C29 Minimum/Maximum Wage 7 C30 Free School Meals 7 C31 Daylight Saving 7 C32 State Funding Political Parties 7 C33 Adult Social Care Funding 8 C34 Economics 8 C35 Replace Personal Trading with Cap & Dividend 8 C36 Conduct of Elections 8 C37 Anti-Semitism (1) (Fox) 9 C38 Anti-Semitism (2) (Lord) 9 C39 Building Regs/Climate Change 9 C40 Broadening Climate Change 10 C41 Carbon Quotas for the Elderly 10 C42 Right to Rent 10

Section D (Organisational motions) D51 Winding up defunct parties 11 D52 MfSS Sections for Review 11 D53 SOCC Timetable 11 D54 Election Strategy 12 D55 Consensus Decision-making 12 D56 Training Day at Spring Conference 12

Section E (Draft Voting Papers) E61 Education 12

Section O (Out of Order motions) O1 Policy Motion - EU Migration (1) 17 O2 Policy Motion - EU Migration (2) 17 O3 Organisation Motion - Elected Representatives 20 O4 Organisational Motion – Criteria for funding Parliamentary By-Election 21

List of contacts 22

Prioritisation Ballot 23

First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 1 / 23 Introduction to First Agenda Conference Standing Orders Convenor, Dean Walton, 202 state that all motions must be Malpas Road, Brockley, SE4 Welcome to the First Agenda for accompanied by a synopsis of not 1DH, 07880 748259, the Green Party’s Autumn more than 50 words which will [email protected] to reach Conference 2008. appear in the Agenda Summary. him by 23:59 on 24th July 2008.

The deadline for the Final Agenda If motions are not accompanied Email signatures for amendments and reports is by synopsis, SOC may devise a SOC does accept e-mail Thursday 24th July 2008. synopsis from the text included, signatures. The procedure has although it is not obliged to do so. been simplified by SOC. To sign An electronic version is available If you do not include a synopsis a motion by email please ensure on request as an rtf file (approx. with your motion you run the risk you include your membership 400kB) from the SOC Convenor, that nothing will appear in Green number (which you can get a Dean Walton, email address Activist apart from the title, and it membership card if you still have [email protected]. Paper won’t be prioritised, and may not one, or your introductory letter or copies are available from Green be reached at Conference. by calling Party Office), your local Party Office, 1a Waterlow Road, party and if you are the contact London, N19 5NJ, telephone 020- If your synopsis is more than 50 for a motion or amendment your 7272-4474 words, it will probably be cut by address and email address that SOC. members can contact you on. Content of the First Agenda There is 1 voting paper (Culture), Prioritisation Ballot Please help SOC by only 22 policy motions, and 6 The SOCC state that SOC must enclosing one motion or organisational motions; 4 motions conduct a ballot to assist in the amendment in each email and by have been ruled out of order and prioritisation of the motions. The not forwarding transcripts of the are included at the end of the precise format is not laid out. This debates that have been held by Agenda. A number of proposals time SOC has adopted a different members prior to agreeing to a were submitted with insufficient process to enable a very final version of the text– this also signatures and were not therefore straightforward on-line ballot to reduces the possibility of error. included at any place in this take place. All members are agenda. asked to vote for their top ‘3’ Committee Elections motions in sections ‘C’ & ‘D’. Elections will be held at Errors in the Agenda Conference for all Committees. If you notice any errors in the first There is a prioritisation ballot form These are the Standing Orders, agenda please notify the at the end of this agenda for Conferences, Campaigns, Policy, convenor of SOC for correction in members who do not have International, Disputes the final agenda. access to the internet. Additional Resolution, and the Green World copies have been sent to local Editorial Board. For information Deadlines for receipt of party co-ordinators. Please send on these elections please contact motions / amendments prioritisation ballots to arrive by the SOC Convenor. The date announced as the 23:59 on Thursday 24th July deadline for receipt of motions / 2008. Rules for Motions & amendments is the last date for Emergency Motions receipt by the SOC Convenor, or Amendments to motions SOC would like to remind named recipient. Motions / Amendments should be everyone that although Standing amendments arriving after the addressed to the motions as they Orders are suspended when an deadline will not be considered. appear in the First Agenda emergency motion is discussed, it (including the Voting Papers) and is only Section A that is The Royal Mail does not must be signed by at least four suspended. This is the section guarantee that first class post will Green Party members. There is that deals with the requirement to be delivered the next day. It does no limit to the number of submit motions by the First guarantee that mail posted using amendments any Party member Agenda deadline. its Special Delivery service will be may sign. delivered the next day (by The section of the standing 1:00pm), though you should They should be sent to the orders that deals with reasons for check locally for latest posting address below, to arrive by the SOC ruling motions out of order is times. If you want to be sure that end of Thursday 24th July 2008. NOT suspended. This is Section your submission arrives the next Please post well before the C9 of the standing orders, which day then you should use the deadline as amendments and states: Special Delivery service and not signatures arriving after the rely on first class post. deadline will not be considered “Motions or amendments to (see section above on deadlines). motions shall be ruled out of However SOC does allow order on grounds of being: members to send motions & Address for amendments, a) contrary to the Constitution amendments by email – see later reports, prioritisation ballots b) retrospective in their effect in this section for further Prioritisation ballots and anything c) ambiguous information. intended for the Final Agenda d) vague (e.g. amendments and reports) e) trivial or requiring no Summaries and Synopses should be sent to the SOC consequential action First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 2 / 23 f) substantially changing policy Section B (Voting Papers) onus is on those claiming public areas, or having complex interest to demonstrate their implications for other areas, B10. Culture Voting Paper case. The Green Party without having passed through (submitted by Policy recognises that an individual's the agreed process of Committee) actions in placing consultation or seeks to amend their private life in the public the principles passed in a policy Synopsis: domain (for example politicians or motion or Voting Paper less than This Voting Paper represents a celebrities inviting media two years previously, or if it seeks new section to be inserted into attention) may undermine their to re-present a policy proposal the Culture Media and Sport right to privacy. which has been debated and (CMS) chapter of MfSS and defeated at a Conference less which will then replace the CULTURE, CREATIVITY & THE than two years previously except existing Arts chapter. ARTS where it is proposed by Regional Council and agreed by SOC that It also includes material on Background the specific exception to that Censorship and on Sponsorship requirement shall be made in in Sport and Media to be inserted CMS400. For the purposes of this respect of an area of Party Policy into the relevant places in the chapter ‘culture’ means all forms for which urgent need to update existing CMS chapter. The of artistic expression, including or clarify the policy outweighs the paragraph numbering indicates entertainment, such as film, normal consideration of the insertion point within the CMS drama, dance, painting, procedure. chapter. photography, sculpture, crafts, architecture, design music and In addition, Section G1 of the Motion: delete the Policy similar activities. It also includes Standing Orders states: Statement on National Lottery the historical record of such b) Emergency motions shall only (RCMS96.1) and the existing activities. be accepted provided Arts chapter of MfSS and i) the issue has arisen, or has replace with the following CMS401. Culture is essential to substantially changed, since the inserted into the Culture Media human fulfilment. As a human deadline for motions and Sport chapter. need, it enhances the economy ii) the motion is consistent with both directly and indirectly: where the MfSS and neither changes CENSORSHIP & PRIVACY people are more fulfilled they are nor adds to the text of the MfSS likely to contribute more to their c) No amendments to the CMS206 The Green Party is work and to society. In a ‘Green’ Constitution or Standing Orders opposed to all forms of society people of all ages and are permitted under this censorship in the media and backgrounds would have access suspension. cultural activities for adults. The to participate in and enjoy all state and persons holding types of arts and cultural Please bear these restrictions in positions of power to control activities. mind when composing activities shall not censor freedom emergency motions. of artistic expression or freedom CMS402. The Green Party of speech. Where there is a recognises that the ‘creative’ Contacts for motions in this conflict between the right to free industries sector is growing agenda. expression or speech and the significantly in the UK, and as we The names of those signing responsibility not to cause offence move towards a sustainable motions are included after each this should be dealt with by society we anticipate an motion, up to a maximum of 4 allowing the offended person increased role for artists and names, although only 4 are equal right of reply. craftspeople. required. Where there are more than 4, then the first 4 are listed CMS207 The Green Party CMS403. Arts and culture in the followed by “+ others”. The recognises that not all freedoms UK is currently structured and principal contact for each motion may be appropriate for young funded in a way that gives the is indicated by (**) after the name persons. Parents and guardians ‘bigger’ players dominance over and contact details can be found have a responsibility to protect smaller community organisations at end of the agenda before the those in their charge from and individual artists. A healthy prioritisation ballot. inappropriate material. In the and vibrant society does not see case of material targeted directly a necessary competition between Section A (Reports & Items at children the relevant authorities creativity and purely financial Requested from Previous may have a duty to control business concerns. Indeed much Conference) content in loco parentis. (in the commercial entertainment place of a marries the two effectively. This Items in section A of the agenda parent) needs to happen on the small are required by the Constitution scale and through community- or Standing Orders or at the CMS208 The Green Party based activities as well as the request of a previous Conference. recognises the right of citizens to large and more commercial scale. The reports will be included in the enjoy privacy within their home Our aim is to rebalance the Final Agenda. and domestic activities. Where relationship between cultural there is a conflict between the superstars and ordinary people. individual's right to privacy and The present imbalance amounts legitimate public interest then the to a virtual deification of celebrity First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 3 / 23 superstars, which mirrors the CMS421. To develop more portion of its income directed economic divergence between relevant structures of support for towards ‘good causes’ is rich and poor. the arts, building on the work of distributed by unelected quangos. the Arts Council and ensuring that Conference believes that the Principles vibrant regional and local arts National Lottery is no substitute CMS410. We value artistic cultures can thrive. for the accountable system of expression for its openness, wealth distribution that would be diversity, imagination and CMS422. To promote our shared required to bring about a just importance in education. We do cultural heritage. society. The Green Party would not measure artistic value in dismantle the National Lottery economic terms. We believe that Short to mid term Policies within the term of one parliament, the state has an important role to without compensation for its play in supporting artistic activity CMS430. To encourage the operators. in society. growth of local arts associations made up of practising artists To be inserted in sport section CMS411. Arts and creativity play a fundamental role in education. CMS431. To require the g) Sponsorship in Sport All education should be as representation of local arts creative as possible, both to associations, where they exist, CMS890. Sponsorship of sporting enhance enjoyment and to rather than local government, on teams or events should not be achieve greater success. regional arts boards. used to circumvent regulations on advertising. CMS412. Financial support does CMS432. To ensure levels of not entail a right to intervene in financial support for buildings CMS891. Sponsorship other people’s self-expression. housing cultural collections are arrangements should not be Arts policy-making, where it is such as to render admission allowed to restrict access to needed, should be organisational charges unnecessary. events deemed of national or in nature and empowering in regional importance. In particular character. CMS433. To modify the licensing where a national team is playing regulations to ensure that small then public service media should CMS413. Artistic activity has an scale live performance in pubs, always be allowed to offer free important role to play in the clubs and similar venues is not access to all UK citizens. sustenance of a society’s culture. stifled. We believe that the UK produces Proposed by Policy Committee: some of the finest professional CMS434. To zero-rate live Signed by Roger Creagh- theatre, film, comedy and music performance for VAT purposes. Osborne (**), Brian Heatley, John in the world and that home grown Norris, Alan Francis entertainment industries need to Long term policies be recognised for the value they Section C – Policy Motions add to society. If we want to CMS440. To shift responsibility maintain for arts funding, where C21 Trade Union Reps cultural diversity in the 21st appropriate, from regional to local century these industries, at levels. Synopsis national and local level, on large This motion amends the and small scale, need to be CMS441. To develop more current workers rights policy protected and promoted in the autonomous and less dependent so the Green Party has a clear face of the homogenising forms of financial support for the policy to grant, and to advocate influence of a dominating arts. for, the right of trade unions to global artistic culture. establish workplace CMS442. We will explore the environmental representatives. CMS414. The body of historical feasibility of a tax on superstar This is being campaigned for creative work forms the basis of performances which is my many unions and the TUC. our culture at national, regional hypothecated to local cultural and local level; the preservation enterprises. Motion of this culture is a responsibility of the state through support for Culture and Commerce Delete last sentence of cultural stores such as museums, WR630(1), and insert new archives, libraries, heritage and CMS450. Sponsorship of the WR631 (and renumbering): major performing arts venues and Arts: There may be a role for companies. commercial sponsorship of any "WR631 Trade Unions and their cultural activity. This should not branches will have the right to Objectives be used to reduce the total state establish workplace support for the Arts, but rather to environmental representatives, CMS420. To enable people to allow state funding to be who will have the same rights at participate both by extending redeployed elsewhere. work as other trade union opportunities to enjoy and representatives. This will include participate in the arts and by National Lottery appropriate facilities and time off providing support for non- CMS460. The National Lottery to undertake their duties. Such commercial artistic organisations has generated vast profits for a representatives should play a private company, while the decision making role in the First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 4 / 23 development of C23 EU Policy – Biofuels certain chemicals. The Green strategies and implementation Party will require that these plans for making workplaces, Synopsis chemicals to be put on a register, companies and other public, We currently oppose the use of so that purchasers will have to private and third sector arable land to grow biomass as give information about where and organisations greener and more it is more valuable for food for what they will be used. In this sustainable." crops. The existing policy way, the production of illicit appears to condone growing ammunition will be made more (1) sentence to be deleted: biofuels as an agricultural difficult. In the short term the Green Party crop. will press both the unions and the Proposed by: Richard Lawson employers to create new branch Motion (**), Charles Graham, Dave officers and shop steward posts EU 545 currently reads: “EU545 Major, Ricky Knight (with full facilities and time off) to The production of safe, nutritious cover environmental protection. food should be a prime objective, but diversification to non food C25 Armed Forces Proposed by: Jean Lambert (**), crops and use of land for Romayne Phoenix, James productive forest should be Synopsis Caspell, Samir Jeraj encouraged. Our Peace and Defence policy envisages a contracted set of Replace with armed forces under a Green C22 Update EU Policy EU545 The production of safe, Government. This addition is to nutritious food should be a prime update their role, formalise Synopsis objective, but diversification to their contract, and to lessen Parts of our European policy traditional non food crops and use the risk that they could be used need to be updated in light of of land for productive forest to oppress the people they events. For example, the Coal should be encouraged. Use of serve. and Steel Community no longer normal farmland to grow biofuels exists yet we still have policy is discouraged. Motion on it. The policy also still refers to Central and Eastern Proposed by: Hazel Dawe (**), Insert new PD306: European States which are now John Hunt, Andrew Newby, members as applicants. Joseph Healy Such standing forces as are retained will sign up to a formal Motion contract, which will include the EU423 C24 Ammunition following points: Currently reads: “The Green Party would prefer that the project Synopsis (edited) 1 In exchange for putting their does not go ahead and we do not lives on the line when necessary want our country to join it” The Peace and Defence section for the security of the country, or specifies our opposition to the in the protection of civilians of Replace with “The Green Party is arms trade. This motion other countries in pursuit of the opposed to the UK joining EMU. strengthens that opposition by UN Responsibility to Protect, the specifying how we can more State undertakes to respect and EU425 vi) Delete “and the effectively reduce the arms look after injured service European Steel and Coal trade by concentrating on personnel giving them decent Community” transfers of ammunition. living standards, whether serving Delete EU466 – 472 Motion or not serving due to Insert new PD418 and renumber their injury, and to their However, EU470 on changing the dependents in the event of their mission of the EBRD should be PD418 The production, caching, being killed. retained and moved to after and transport of ammunition can current EU555 on the European be more easily controlled than 2 All serving personnel will be Social Fund. that of arms as it has a distinctive required to sign a pledge that odour. Sniffer dogs are routinely they will not obey any order which EU502 Delete “along with the trained to identify the presence of would entail any breach of Coal and Steel Treaty” explosives and ammunition. international law. In particular Change reference to “Maastricht Countries and agencies that they will be able to disobey any Treaty” to “Treaty of European invest in more sniffer dogs can order that required them to fire on Union.” more easily prevent the transfer unarmed civilians of their own or Delete EU510 – 513 on Coal and of these lethal products across any other country. Steel their borders. They could also use the dogs to lead searches for Proposed by: Richard Lawson Proposed by: Hazel Dawe (**), ammunitions caches in the (**), Charles Graham, Carol Stuart Jeffrey, teve Dawe, interior, and for ammunition Kambites, Ricky Knight Caroline Lucas factories.

PD419 In order to produce C26 Afghan Opium ammunition, a manufacturer needs to obtain large quantities of First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 5 / 23 This is a Motion for inclusion in recognising that the European declare formally that the Peelian the Record of Policy Parliament, the Senlis Council, paramilitary model of policing Statements (ROPS) the Italian Red Cross and the does not work and the Afghan Red Crescent already Policy Committee should be Synopsis (created by SOC) back this course of action, instructed to develop policy which Push for a plan to license and is not a lazy - or expedient, purchase the Afghan opium this Conference of Green Party in considering the popularity of the crop and distribute the refined England and Wales resolves to 'police' among the electorate - opium products to medical ask our Principal Speakers to continuation of the Peelian services in developing initiate and continue a system. There needs to be a countries. correspondence with the UK policy group to consider both Government, pressing it to plan ways of creating a new policing Recognising that Afghanistan for the licensing and purchase of system and how to break the supplies more than 90% of the the Afghan opium crop as a present inertia with the world's opium, generating about matter of urgency. paramilitaries, presumably, €2.1 billion in revenues a year for resisting all efforts to end their that country, which amounts to This should be implemented by a hegemony, power and their role about 50% of Afghanistan's special agency set up by the UN, as a de facto branch of economic activity, which will coordinate action with government. It should bring back the Afghan Government, and a Policy Voting Paper to recognising that NATO soldiers other players, including the World Conference in Autumn 2009 are unlikely to win the battle for Health Organisation, which would “hearts and minds” while they are oversee the task of distributing Proposed by: David Wylie (**), trying to destroy the opium trade, the refined opium products to Fiona Radic, Justine Hall, John and recognising that the military medical services in developing Wareing effort is immensely costly, countries. Given the present unmet needs of terminally ill recognising that the illegal opium patients (some six million people C28 EU Policy - Social trade sustains the Taleban, and die of cancer each year in Africa Chapter various terrorists and criminals, alone, mostly without the benefit of opiates) it is likely that all the Synopsis recognising that illegal opium, present Afghan crop can be Deletes our policy to allow opt morphine and heroin cause major converted to good use. outs to the Social Chapter and medical, social and criminal environmental standards so problems in many nations due to The problem of leakage to the that the UK will be held to addiction to opium products, black market must be addressed higher standards and by short, tightly controlled supply businesses cannot simply recognising that the incidence of chains, and high standards of move within the EU to avoid cancer in Africa is rising, and that anti-corruption practice. The UN their environmental and social patients are dying in unbearable has effective models for inhibiting obligations. pain due to the lack of morphine corruption, and this new process and heroin, can prove to be the proving Motion ground for these models. Delete EU370 – 372 recognising that, viewed holistically, it will be far cheaper Proposed by: Richard Lawson Proposed by: Hazel Dawe (**), for concerned nations to (**), Joseph Healy, Martin Deane, Shan Oakes, Andrew Newby, purchase the opium crop from Sue Bradley Steve Dawe Afghan farmers, to process it into morphine and heroin and to distribute it free or at low cost to C29 Minimum/Maximum medical services in developing Wage countries for use in relief of terminal pain, HIV AIDS and all C27 Enabling Motion - Synopsis (created by SOC): other medically approved Policing Campaign for an increase in purposes, than to attempt to the minimum wage and set a suppress the opium trade by Synopsis maximum income limit. force. All round the world, policing is based on the structure British people work some of the recognising that the central established by Robert Peel for longest hours in Europe, with objection to this proposal from London in 1829, and there is some 3.6 million people regularly governments, namely that some almost no discussion among working more than 48 hours a of the product so obtained might politicians about whether that week, yet 7 out of 10 people leak back to the street, is so weak is a suitable model for the 21. working over 48 hours per week as to lack any degree of serious century or for the ostensible say they would like to work fewer credibility, since, although a small objectives of policing. This is hours. For many however this is percentage may indeed leak an enabling motion to commit impossible, as they simply cannot through corrupt officials, at the Party to having that debate. afford to do so. Overwork is present the rate of leakage is forcing workers into unhealthy 100%. Motion lifestyles as they attempt to First of all, the party needs to reconcile long working hours and First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 6 / 23 family responsibilities, according Wales every school day to its conclusions, noting that in to a report from the charity every pupil. some areas agreement had not Working Families. Half of the been possible. The review then parents surveyed with unhappy Motion continued with talks between the with their work and family Replace ED304 of the MfSS: three “main” parties at balance. A majority reported that Westminster and a further work dominated their lives, and It will be a minimum requirement “compromise paper” prepared in family life suffered as a result. that all children are provided with August. However, in October Working long hours also led to a balanced nutritious lunch 2007 the talks were suspended. increased levels of stress, including local and organic non- In light of this stalemate, resulting in irritability, exhaustion GM food, free from additives. Conference: and depression. At the same time, the gap between the most with:  Re-affirms its support for prosperous and the poorest in public funding of political society has not been as great It will be a minimum requirement parties as a way of taking since the nineteen thirties. In that all children are provided free politics out of the hands of big 2006, around 4 million adult of charge with a balanced, business and the influence of employees were paid less than nutritious lunch including local the super-rich; £6.50 per hour. Two-thirds were and organic non-GM food, free  Welcomes the recognition in women. 3.8 million children in from additives. the Phillips review of the Britain live in poverty. Since 1980 importance of representation the poorest quintile of the Proposed by: Sarah Birch (**), at devolved or European population has experienced no Brian Heatley, Jenny Jones, Matt levels; and of the greater growth in real earnings. Nearly Hanley diversity of current UK politics; twice as many people have relatively low incomes as 25  Deplores the UK years ago. The average total C31 Daylight Saving Government’s failure to earnings of FTSE 100 chief extend the Policy executives have doubled over the Synopsis (created by SOC) Development Grant regime to last five years to a new record of Bring forward introduction of smaller parties – as £3.2 million. The top three per BST and delay change back to recommended by the cent of the population own three GMT. Electoral Commission in 2004 times as much as the whole of – using the excuse that the the bottom half of the population. This is motion for inclusion in Phillips Review had overtaken the ROPS this recommendation; Therefore, the Green Party will  Laments the fact that the campaign: Recognising the substantial Phillips Review benefits to be derived both in recommendations will not be A. for the immediate ending of the terms of lives saved on the roads implemented until at least British opt-out of the European and in terms of carbon emissions 2012, if at all, and that this Working Time Directive; saved through lights having to be means that establishment on for shorter periods of time: political parties will continue to B. for the National Minimum receive millions of pounds of Wage level to be increased to The Green Party would delay the public subsidy while smaller come in line with the Council of change of British Summer Time parties are frozen out; and Europe Decency Threshold, to Greenwich Mean Time in the  Instructs the relevant body of which is set at 60% of net autumn until the middle of the party to make further national average earnings (this November, and bring forward the representation to the UK would currently mean a minimum introduction of British Summer Government and to the wage of £8.17 per hour); Time to mid February. Phillips Review in light of the failures of political vision C. For maximum income limit of Proposed by: Rupert Read (**), which have led to this 10 times the National Minimum Chris Keene, Maria Iacovou, iniquitous situation. Wage, through the establishment James Abbott of a 100% rate of income tax on Proposed by Richard Mallender taxable personal income above (**), Joseph Healy, Chris Haine, that level." C32 State Funding Political Sarah Birch, Parties Proposed by:Peter Murry (**), James Caspell, Payam Torabi, Synopsis (created by SOC) C33 Adult Social Care Adrian Cruden Re-affirm support for state Funding funding of political parties Synopsis C30 Free School Meals In 2006 the Green Party of Current Green Party policy England and Wales made a states that: SW406 If residential Synopsis detailed submission to the Phillips care is needed then it will be This motion amends to MfSS to Review on political party funding, provided free and house include a call for the universal the review set up in the wake of owners would not be required provision of a free lunch in all the cash for honours scandal. In to sell their home to pay for state schools in England and March 2007, the review published First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 7 / 23 such care. However, there is 'cap and dividend' currently no indication of how Delete and replace EC662 with: this care is to be paid for. This Proposed by: Chris Keene (**), motion addresses this. EC662 The current banking Molly Scott Cato, Douglas system enables commercial Copping, Rupert Read Motion banks and financial institutions to exert an unacceptably large Following SW406 insert new influence on the economy as a C36 Conduct of Elections policy SW407 as follows: whole due to their virtual monopoly on money creation. Synopsis “Personal care for the elderly, These commercial banking Oxford Green Party is whether living in their own home institutions work to a purely concerned about aspects of the or in a care home, would be commercial agenda in which the conduct of Elections in the UK: funded from a combination of desirability of making loans is abuses to the postal vote; lack inheritance tax receipts and a assessed only in terms of its of ID requirements for casting a new ‘care tax’. This new care tax financial viability to the lenders. vote; undermining of secret would be set as a percentage ballot by lax supervision at figure no higher than the basic Insert new EC663 and renumber: polling stations and by rate of income tax and would be numbering of ballot papers and levied on lifetime transfers and EC663: The proportion of state stubs; student ‘double votes’. estates of the deceased, where seignorage will be increased to their value exceeds a set figure.” 40% to bring it in line with post- Motion war years enabling a greater Proposed by: Ann Were (**), ability to direct money as The Green Party is very Melinda Andrews, John required in EC661 and to give concerned about some aspects of Matthews, Andrew Were greater financial stability to the the conduct of Elections : economy. To ensure further in the UK: stability, we will enforce a C34 Economics fractional reserve ratio, set by 1. .Abuse of the Postal Vote. government, that balances the Synopsis (created by SOC) money supply against increases The postal vote should only be Notes with concern the recent in seignorage. used for voters who will developments of financial genuinely be absent or physically crises involving the 'credit Proposed by: Stuart Jeffrey (**), unable to cast their own vote at crunch' due to accumulating Rupert Read, Molly Scott Cato, their polling station on the day of debts and the exclusive Richard Lawson the election. Such voters should dependence on debt to return their own postal vote to the maintain output and Returning Officer . Postal votes employment within the C35 Replace Personal should not be collected and economy and amends Trading with Cap & Dividend returned to the Returning Officer Economy section of the MfSS by any Candidate in the election. accordingly. Synopsis None provided 2. Lack of requirement for ID at Motion the Polling Station This conferences notes with Replace CC290 and CC291 with: concern the recent developments The GP would like to see a of financial crises involving the CC290 An independent requirement that effective ID ( not 'credit crunch' due to committee would set a carbon of course the ID card which the accumulating debts and the budget, reducing every year in Government is trying to force on exclusive dependence on debt to line with the need to avoid all citizens) such as passport plus maintain output and employment runaway climate change. This polling card should be presented within the economy. budget would be divided up into to the officials before a ballot pollution authorisation permits paper is issued. This situation arises from the and auctioned by an independent undue influence that the creation trust to the companies who either 3. Lax Supervision in Polling of such debt places on the imported fossil fuels or mined Stations. banking and financial sector. This them. conference further notes that the a. Voting booths should be more amount of money created by the CC291 The revenue from the enclosed and only one person state has now reduced to around auction would be distributed to should enter at a time. 3% of Sterling M4, and that this citizens on an equal per capita b. There should be adequate proportion has fallen from around basis, except that people over supervision to ensure that 40% in the immediate post-war pensionable age would receive there is only one ballot paper years. A return to the proportions extra quota, and children would per person entered into the of state seignorage prevailing in receive a smaller amount, which ballot box. that period would be a means of would be based on research into reducing the dependency upon their energy needs" 4. Numbering of ballot debt to maintain economic papers. activity. In CC292, replace 'quota' with

First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 8 / 23 The Green Party considers that 4. Recognition of a State does not groups, especially Islamic groups, the current system of issuing a imply acceptance of the actions of and supporting Green Party numbered ballot paper to each that State. members who do this, the Green voter, with a matching number on Party dissociates itself from any the stub, is unnecessary and 5. Israel has the right to self- wider agenda. Specifically it could become open to abuse. determination in the event of any rejects any implication of regional peace settlement. antisemitism. 5 .Students ‘double vote’. 6. Contemporary antisemitism Proposed by: Clive Lord (**), Tom The Green Party considers the often uses the language of Lines, John Norris, Alan Francis registering of students both at antizionism. their home address and at their place of learning – leading to the 7. The actions and policies of any C39 Building Regs/Climate possibility of a double vote by State may be criticised, provided Change students- to be an anomaly in the such criticism is not framed in voting system which should be racist or antisemitic This is a motion for the ROPS removed. terms. Synopsis Students must choose one place The Green Party agrees that: In view of the urgency of in which they wish to be reducing carbon dioxide registered and exercise a postal 8. The EU's working definition of emissions and making new vote if they cannot be in that antisemitism shall be considered buildings zero carbon, this place at the time of the election – when determining what counts as motion instructs GPEX ask the as they would if on holiday antisemitism. Government to amend building abroad, for example. regulations and to enable 9. Representatives of the Party training of architects and (If it is considered too difficult for should condemn antisemitism builders students to organize a postal when obliged to share a platform vote, perhaps we should with Motion consider raising the voting age. ) (a) individuals who express Buildings account for a antisemitic views, and substantial proportion of CO2 Proposed by: Penelope (b) representatives of emissions. In view of the urgent Newsome (**), Elise Benjamin, organisations that endorse need to reduce the production of Sid Phelps, Nuala Young antisemitism, and that such climate changing gases, the sharing of platforms should be contribution of new buildings to discouraged. the problem must be minimised. C37 Anti-Semitism (1) Conference therefore instructs 10. Members proposing and GPEX to write to the Government Synopsis (edited by SOC) implementing policy should at all demanding that: The Green Party is committed times be sensitive to the fact that to opposing racism and the Green Party does not and will a) Building Regulations be discrimination. The Green not endorse or tolerate amended immediately so that, for Party recognises that rights antisemitism, or discrimination of domestic buildings, they are in may be curtailed when used in any form. line with the Code for Sustainable ways that oppress or harm Homes Level 3 with immediate others. This motion proposes a Proposed by: Chris Fox (**), Toby effect, progressing to levels 4,5 policy on antisemitism to Green, Raphael Levy, Alan Howe and 6 on an annual basis so that provide a framework when all new dwellings are zero-carbon dealing with sensitive issues by 2012; and similarly all other concerning Israel, Zionism and C38 Anti-Semitism (2) new buildings should be zero- Judaism. carbon by 2012 Synopsis Motion Some Green sympathisers and b) any conversion or change of members have taken exception use of a domestic building and The Green Party accepts that: to the engagement of Green any extension to a domestic Party speakers with others property will require an Energy 1. Antisemitism is a form of known or believed to have Performance Assessment and all racism, and should not be antisemitic views. This motion appropriate recommendations tolerated. dissociates the Party from must be carried out. such views. c) the Government provide 2. Antisemitic remarks and sufficient funding for the training behaviours may include a variety Motion of architects and builders to of imagery, caricatures and In pursuance of their concern as enable these standards to be references to global Zionist to the treatment of the Palestinian achieved conspiracies etc. population by the Israeli government, Green Party Proposed by: Dilys Cluer (**), 3. Recognition of the State of representatives have engaged Christopher Phillips, Jason Israel is consistent with the with other groups who share this Mullen, Helen Kay party's Philosophical Basis. common aim. Whilst reaffirming the need to engage with other First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 9 / 23 C40 Broadening Climate built-in limit on national emissions cases the need for councils to Change Policy consistent with the actual or find new homes for families. hoped-for international Synopsis framework. Motion Given the urgency of dealing - The scheme must be equitable with Climate Change, and the and be seen to be equitable by Insert as new HO411 and implausibility of The Green the general population renumber accordingly Party forming a government in - There must be an enforcement the few years that are likely mechanism with teeth which HO411 The Green Party would available for taking the strong addresses non-compliance by implement a 'Right to Rent' policy. measures that are necessary, individuals or organisations Home owners who are unable to this motion seeks to broaden meet their mortgage payments GP Policy away from an And renumber subsequent and are under threat of insistence on Contraction and sections. repossession would have a right Convergence and Tradeable to transfer ownership to the Emissions Quotas, though Proposed by: Chris Keene (**), council, at less than market value, those are still preferred. Janet Alty, Tony Cooper, Derek in exchange for the right to Smith remain in the home and pay rent Motion as council tenants. There would CC225 Subsequent to the be limits on invention of C&C a number of C41 Carbon Quotas for the the size and value of house frameworks with similar Elderly covered by this policy and it objectives have been developed would only apply to a sole house by various groups. These include Synopsis owned and occupied by a family "Cap and Share", "Cap and This motion gives extra quota or individual. The cost to the Dividend", "Kyoto2" and to the elderly, who require council would be covered by "Greenhouse Development more energy to heat their government grants or public Rights". The Green Party would homes, both because they are loans." also support any such scheme at home rather than at work, providing it meets the following and because they need to be Proposed by: Alan Francis (**), criteria and has a kept warm otherwise they die Clive Lord, Stuart Jeffrey, Matt realistic chance of being formally of cold related illnesses (20,000 Follett adopted by the UNFCCC: to 30,000 die every year, at the moment), and gives a smaller - There must be a hard cap - a amount to children. (This will built-in limit on global emissions, be needed if we do not replace which reduces over time. (This is personal carbon quotas with Section D (organisational the contraction in cap and dividend as a policy) motions) C&C). The level of the cap should be set by an international Motion D51 Winding up defunct authority such as the UNFCCC, In CC291 replace "...with all parties (Proposed by Green and must be reviewed by it at adults receiving an equal amount" Party Executive) regular intervals as more with "...on an equal per capita scientific and real-world evidence basis, except that people over Synopsis emerges. pensionable age would receive Local parties are responsible - The scheme must be equitable extra quota, and children would for deciding their termination. and be seen to be equitable by receive a smaller amount, which However, where a local party negotiators from most major would be based on research into ceases functioning and has no countries and country groups their energy needs" officers elected, it is unclear - There must be an enforcement who has responsibility for mechanism with teeth which Proposed by: Chris Keene (**), deciding whether that party addresses non-compliance by a Molly Scott Cato, Adrian Ramsey, should be wound up, or how country or countries. Richard Bearman that should happen. This motion sets out procedures for It is more important that some this. such framework be introduced C42 Right to Rent than that the world debates for Motion another few years about the Synopsis "best" framework. We should promote a Right to In party constitution, after section Rent policy. This would be the 5(iv) add new section 5(v): And add after CC291 exact opposite of the Tory's Right to Buy policy. Any house 5(v) These appointments should CC292 However, as with owner who cannot pay their normally be made or confirmed at international negotiations, the mortgage and is threatened the local or regional party's AGM. most urgent requirement is to with repossession would have Party office should be informed of introduce a scheme in as short a the right to sell to the council them promptly. term as possible. Such a scheme and then continue to live in the must adhere to criteria similar to property and pay rent. This (for information – these refer to those set out in CC225: would avoid the disruption of the 4 appointments listed in 5(iv)) - There must be a hard cap - a repossession and in many First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 10 / 23 the Standing Orders Committee Renumber section 5(v) as 5(vi) Motion (hereinafter called SOC) not later and delete its second sentence, In the Standing Orders for the than 31 May for an Autumn which currently reads ‘Failing this Conduct of Conference, Section Conference and not later than 30 in the case of a local party, party C, paragraph 5, sub-section (b) November for a Spring office may be legally obliged to replace ‘fewer than two policy Conference. The first agenda treat the local party as no longer Voting Papers are’ with ‘no Voting shall be sent by such means as existing and in such case local Paper is’. will ensure its arrival not later party capitations will be paid to Motion ends than 21 June for an Autumn the regional party unless Conference and 21 January for a otherwise requested by that SOC Note – the section being Spring Conference to the regional party.’ proposed for deletion currently Secretary of each Local Party, says: each Region Representative, the Add new sections and renumber Party Office. The proposers of accordingly: 2. For each Party Conference, substantive motions shall give a after consultation with the Party contact address for amendments. 5(vii) The constitution of each Executive and Regional Council, In the event of any of these days local party should include a the Policy Committee may select falling on a weekend or a bank provision for winding up the local one section of the MfSS for the holiday the deadline will be party. If a local party has not conference to discuss. "(a) Any extended to the next working day. elected the officers outlined in iv choice of a section for review above at a meeting held in the shall be advertised, and notified 5. Amendments to motions shall previous 18 months then that directly to relevant policy working be delivered to the Convenor of local party may be deemed to groups before the deadline for SOC not later than 15 July for an have ceased functioning and motions. Autumn Conference and 15 wound up. Any decision to wind "(b) If fewer than two policy January for a Spring Conference. up the local party will be taken by Voting Papers are expected for In the event of either of these the GPEX local party support co- the conference, the committee days falling on a weekend of bank ordinator subject to the consent of shall make such a holiday the deadline will be the appropriate regional party, selection. Otherwise the extended to the next working day. after consulting with all members committee may choose whether in that local party area and with to make a selection. 7. The Final Agenda shall be sent officers in adjacent local parties. "(c) The Policy Committee shall by such means as will ensure its . propose the existing policy as a arrival not later than 31 July for 5(viii) In case a Local Party is so motion, to be amended. If the an Autumn Conference and 31 wound up, efforts should be made motion is lost, whether January for a Spring Conference by the regional co-ordinator or amended or not, the existing to the Secretary of each Local others to arrange a merger with a policy shall remain. Such motions Party, each Region geographically adjacent local shall be placed in Section B of the Representative, the Party Office. party. In that case any funds from agenda. Each member who books into the defunct party should be Conference shall receive a Final transferred to the newly merged Proposed by Policy Committee: Agenda on receipt of the booking one; otherwise such funds should signed by Brian Heatley (**), fee if requested on the Booking be transferred to the regional Roger Creagh-Osborne, Alan Form. In the event of either of party. Capitations will also be Francis, Rachel Fryer these days falling on a weekend paid to either the newly merged of bank holiday the deadline will party or to the regional party, as be extended to the next working appropriate. D53 SOCC Timetable day.

Proposed by Green Party Synopsis Proposed by Standing Orders Executive: signed by Richard The first and final agenda Committee: signed by Dean Mallender (**), Jon Lucas, Pete timetable is amended to fixed Walton (**), John Street, Jason McAskie, Tony Cooper points in the year. The Kitcat, Matt Wootton deadlines for the first agenda will be 31 May & 30 November D52 MfSS Sections for and for the final agenda 15 July D54 Election Strategy Review (proposed by Policy and 15 January and for the Committee) publication of the final agenda Synopsis 31 July and 31 January. This motion establishes Synopsis several strategic objectives to At present Policy Committee Motion guide Green Party electoral are obliged to submit an Amend sections 3, 5 & 7 of activity in the coming years. existing section of the MfSS for Section A of the Standing Orders review each conference if fewer for the Conduct of Conference Motion than two Voting Papers are (SOCC): The Green Party currently faces expected. This motion amends 3 It is expected that Motions and considerable electoral that so that Policy Committee Policy Papers will be submitted opportunities. If it is to rise to the is obliged to submit a section throughout the year but, for any occasion and take advantage of only if no Voting Paper is particular Conference they shall these, it must initiate a step expected. be delivered to the Convenor of change in its approach to First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 11 / 23 elections. This will entail dramatic sentences of Clause 9.vi) relate Add to 9(ii) of the Constitution: capacity enhancement in human, to wider aspects of Party organisational and material organisation and should be (d) One full day of the Conference resource terms. moved as follows: will be devoted to training There are several reasons for workshops on local party believing that Westminster a. Clause 9.vi) – first sentence: organisation, campaigns, media, elections should take priority at “The general practice of the policy, electoral activism and the current juncture: winning Party shall be to encourage other spheres of Green Party parliamentary seats is for the first the greatest possible activity. GPEx members will be time a realistic aim for the Party, autonomy of each Local responsible for co-ordinating representation at Westminster will Party in its pursuit of the training events in their respective significantly enhance our national Object of the Party.” – move areas of responsibility as profile, and general election to Section 5 appropriate. success will send a strong signal (ORGANISATION) and place to other parties that they cannot at the end of Clause 5.i). Proposed by Sarah Birch (**), afford to neglect our core b. Clause 9.vi) – second Richard Mallender, Jon Lucas, concerns. sentence: “Every effort shall Matt Follett At the same time, efforts to elect be made to reach decisions our first Green MPs should not at Conference, in Regional detract from campaigns for Council, within Local Parties Section E – Draft Voting elected office at European, and elsewhere by Papers regional and local level. consensus. In the absence of The Green Party therefore adopts consensus decisions shall be E61 Education Draft Voting the following strategic objectives: made by a simple majority Paper 1. The Party will aim significantly vote unless otherwise to increase the number of its provided.” – move to the start Synopsis elected representatives as well as of Section 11 (DECISION- The Autumn 2006 conference the overall Green vote share at all MAKING - OPENNESS, passed an Enabling Motion levels of government. ACCOUNTABILITY & instructing Policy Committee to 2. In order to accomplish this, the CONFIDENTIALITY) as new initiate a policy development Party will engage in rigorous Clause 11.i) and renumber process to bring a proposal for targeting, which will involve the subsequent clauses. a redrafted MfSS section on mobilisation of human and Education to a future material resources to help win Clause 9.vi) will then read: conference. This Draft Voting target seats. This will necessitate “Conference may by a two-thirds Paper will give those attending a marked increase in inter-party majority grant Regional Council this conference the opportunity and inter-region mobility of exceptional powers in defined to comment on this work so far activists, together with fundraising areas of policy, campaign at a workshop session. for elections. strategy or administration for a Members can also participate 3. Particular emphasis will be specified period of time.” in this work following placed on electing the first Green conference through the MPs at the next general election. Proposed by: Keith Ross (**), Tim Education Policy Working 4. The Party will also aim Turner, David Taylor, Karl Group (Convenor Rachel substantially to increase the McNaughton Fryer). The Draft Voting Paper number of Green candidates at will be followed in due course the next general election by a full Voting Paper at a later D56 Training Day at Spring conference. Proposed by Sarah Birch (**), Conference Derek Wall, Chris Haine, Richard The draft that follows reflects Mallender Synopsis extensive debate within the This motion amends the Education Policy Working Constitution so as to require Group over the two years since D55 Consensus Decision- one day of every Spring the enabling Motion was making Conference to be devoted to passed, in meetings both at training. conference and outside it, and Synopsis in e-mail exchanges, and This motion seeks to tidy up an Motion reflects opinions expressed anomaly in the Constitution Following the success of the more widely in the Party. where details within the training programme piloted at the CONFERENCE section are 2008 Spring Conference, the Motion more relevant to other Party will move to include training Delete the Education (ED100 – sections. This is simply as a core component of each ED608) chapter of the MfSS and reorganisation and does not Spring Conference. the Policy Statements 'City involve any change of wording. Academies (April 2005)' and To this end, this motion amends 'Opposition to Trust Schools Motion: the Constitution so as to (Spring 2006)' in RoPs and institutionalise a training day as a replace with the following: Introduction: In Section 9 regular part of Spring (CONFERENCE) of the Conference. Education Constitution, the first two First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 12 / 23 accountability which exist in each i Which promote outdoor and Introduction school. Currently schools rely on physical activity. ED001 The Green Party believes the good will of parents to j Which offers education in a that education should provide volunteer their time to ensure the second language from as young everyone with the knowledge and smooth running of the school. an age as is possible / from the skills they require to be able to This creates accessibility issues age of 7. fully participate and contribute to as not all parents are able or k Which does not provide a the society in which they live. Not willing to volunteer their time and fractured education through a just academic knowledge, but not all schools have enough disjointed timetable. Successful social skills, life skills, and respect volunteers or an adequate skills models such as those in for other people's rights and base to create a successful Denmark; where there is much lifestyles. Governing Body. Governing greater choice as to what ED002 Creating a healthy Bodies should be properly funded subjects and topics each sustainable society will involve to acknowledge the high level of individual studies and a more creative thinking and the ability to responsibility granted to people cross-curricular approach will be solve problems. involved in them and should investigated and used / ED003 Children start school as include an adequate amount of implemented / encouraged. eager learners. By the end of educational professionals. their school career, too many ED102 The Local Authority Admissions have no or few positive should be involved in monitoring ED200 Our underlying vision is outcomes, and no desire to the structures to ensure there is for every child and young person continue any formal education. consistency of standards and to attend their local community Some have been excluded or level of involvement. school. Needs should be met on have stopped attending. an inclusive basis. ED004 Our education system in Curriculum ED201 In the short term, closer the UK is one of the most highly ED150 The approach to (having investment of higher home – funded in the world yet is failing a) National / School Curriculum school transport costs paid by the growing numbers of people. should be revised in order to Local Education Authority will There are constant changes to promote a diverse education provide greater incentive for this, the system which create within the boundaries of what is which will also increase as fuel instability and often seem to be appropriate for the child, the costs rise. politically rather than school and its location. At the ED202 Currently vast sums of educationally driven. same time it should ensure that (additional / extra) money are ED005 Education should be at all children and young people spent on specialist schools, City the heart of communities and for have access to education in: Academies and Trust Schools, all communities, should promote a How to learn, how to of which can discourage equality, inclusivity, social and concentrate and listen. attendance at a local community emotional well-being and b The development of essential schools and, especially in the responsibility. numeracy and literacy skills. case of specialist schools, restrict ED006 Education should be a c The environment, through how a school chooses to spend right and entitlement and free at academic work and on a practical its money. The Green Party the point of delivery to people of level, including children and would redistribute all available all ages. young people's understanding of money to all schools according to ED007 The Curriculum should be their physical environment their needs rather than their built around creating a appropriate to their (immediate) status. sustainable future for the 21st area. ED203 Many of the existing Century and beyond, sustainable d Emotional literacy and well- problems in our admissions in terms of the environment, being, social skills and physical system stem from the emphasis economy and social justice. well-being. This will be achieved on SATS and League Tables, through more rigorous teacher both of which the Green Party Structure and Accountability of training which focuses on these would abolish. Ofsted Inspections Schools issues and through greater would be revised or replaced with ED100 In order to maximise emphasis on the arts which spot check inspections combined engagement with and good increase self-expression and with staff and student evaluations. communication between parents, through this emotional literacy. ED204 There will be greater teachers and students, there e Practical life skills. involvement and dialogue / should be considerable efforts to f Citizenship skills including participation / communication ensure that all parties are understanding the history of and between the school and the democratically involved in the the politics and political structures parent / guardian and the running of the school through of the area / country. introduction of a contract of School Councils and Governing g Which caters for a variety of agreement between both parties. Bodies. The relationship between interests, intelligences and skills ED205 Many problems schools and responsibilities of the Head including academic and experience stem from both class and the Chair of the Governing vocational training. sizes and the size of schools Body should be clearly outlined. h Which caters for and which can be intimidating and ED101 There are many good encourages different learning overwhelming for children and examples of successful styles, appropriate to the young people, particularly those structures, yet it would appear individual and, if applicable their who are vulnerable. This leads to that this depends largely on the Special Educational Needs. disruption, a lack of engagement Head and the rules of in class and less sense of First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 13 / 23 community in the school. There is cohesion. They are educated in Specialist Schools considerable evidence that being larger classes by teachers who ED240 We would fund existing educated in a smaller do not have the same amount of specialist schools such as music, environment produces better time available in their paid hours dance and sport schools. results. The Green Party would for marking, preparation and However the current practice of seek to reduce both class and other administrative work, thus introducing specialisms to school sizes. making their jobs much more mainstream schools means that ED206 In the longer term pressurised. extra funding is only released to a practices would be examined in ED226 As outlined in Admissions school if it is to be spent on its other countries where children and in Structure and specialism. This is restrictive and and young people attend the Accountability in Schools an any funding should be available same school from age 7-19 thus important factor in improving the to schools to spend in the way leading to smoother transition, education young people receive which it feels to be appropriate. greater community cohesion and and increasing community better relations between staff, cohesion is parental involvement. City Academies and Trust parents and pupils. Parents need to feel valued by Schools the schools and involved in its ED250 City Academies and Trust Different types of schools running and to this end should Schools are often introduced to ED220 All young people have a have greater powers in school deprived areas as the only right to receive a high standard of governing bodies. chance the school has to attract education at their local school, ED227 The state currently funding. Buildings and land which regardless of their background, subsidises independent schools, belong to the state are leased to where they live, what their for example through paying for a private sponsor or outside body. financial background or level of places for children from military In the case of a City Academy ability is. backgrounds. This highlights the this private sponsor decides what ED221 Many different types of need for the state to fully the school's specialism will be, schools currently exist, including represent the diversity in our what the curriculum will be and comprehensive schools, public education system, for example by what wages individual teachers schools, specialist schools and increasing the number of state- receive. The sponsor does not 'alternative' schools such as funded boarding schools. have to know anything about Steiner schools. In the state ED228 In the short term we would education yet has the power to sector there are also specialist remove the charitable status of make these crucial decisions. schools and schools for young independent schools, increase ED251 The sponsor has the people with special needs. the amount of funding available to power to appoint the Board who ED222 The Green Party schools deemed to be in special appoints the Principal and the acknowledges that there is a measures and in the longer term Governors. In some academies need in society to embrace a gradually phase fee-paying the parents have the right to vote diverse range of educational schools into the state system. for as little as one parent approaches. This diversity should OR governor. be available to all young people … but in the longer term ED252 So Academies and Trust without discrimination of any recognise that parents have the Schools can often take power factors such as financial right to arrange and pay for away from parents, teachers and background. private education and so allow pupils regarding how the school is ED223 There are many problems private schools to continue to run. As with Specialist Schools with our current state education exist the funding being offered can only system. There is a need to ED229 We would continue to aim be spent on certain things, for address why people choose to for all state schools to provide example in the case of a City send their children to private everyone with an education which Academy the money is released schools. will fit everyone's individual needs for a new building so the school ED224 Children with a high level through a diverse curriculum cannot choose to have a cheaper of ability or who are more likely to which offers choice and is building or refurbishment instead be from a background where appropriate for everyone's needs and spend the remaining money education is valued have a and ability. (See Curriculum on, for example, more teachers. positive influence on the learning chapter.) However, we recognise ED253 For this reason the Green experience of their peers. Sadly that some people will continue to Party is opposed to City an increasing number of these choose to be educated outside Academies and Trust Schools. are now learning in the mainstream schools. Therefore Grammar Schools independent sector and this we would fund alternative schools ED260 The grammar school creates additional pressure on so that they can continue to exist, system decides which young schools in the state sector and is be subject to the same quality people are likely to succeed to some extent causing social checks as other schools and so academically when they are only divisions in society. that no schools will need to 11 years old. For those who fail ED225 Parents pay on average charge a fee. We would set up this can potentially take twice as much per pupil in the dialogue between all schools so opportunities away from them and independent sector than what is that they can all learn from each cause them to lose confidence in spent per pupil in the state sector. others' different approaches and their abilities at an age when they In the state sector therefore so there is an opportunity for are only just beginning to explore children attend larger schools, integration and sharing of learning. The system can also making them more anonymous resources. cause social divisions. Evidence and with less community shows that the overall standard of First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 14 / 23 achievement is higher where Faith Schools development, it is very important people are educated in mixed ED350 Education should include to promote this through the ability environments. a celebration and recognition of school, as outlined in the ED261 We would allow no new religious diversity and spirituality. Curriculum section. The school grammar schools and would ED351 All schools, both state- environment should be a loving integrate existing schools into the controlled and privately run will be one full of care. There should be comprehensive system. required to embrace a multi-faith regular health checks in schools Home Education perspective throughout the and a return to the old system of ED270 We acknowledge parents' exploration of the curriculum, as school nurses. Crucial to all of rights to educate their children at well as respecting the rights of these factors is how teachers are home. It is important to children to adopt a secular world trained for this in their Initial understand many of the reasons view should they wish to. Teacher Training. parents turn to this such as ED352 The Green Party feels that dissatisfaction with the school Faith Schools can create Food curriculum and bullying and (cultural) divisions in society and Environmental Education attempt to alleviate the need for discourage children and young Higher Education home education through the people from attending their local ED500 Higher Education is green party's radical reform of the community school. essential in developing a civilized education system. Ultimately the ED353 Therefore the Green Party society. Education – as distinct right to home education should will not extend state funding for from training - should be treated still be there. This should be faith schools. Where faith schools as a process and not a product. It matched with quality checks to already exist they should reflect should enable a democratisation ensure that all young people have the inclusive nature of British of knowledge and skills which is a broad and diverse education of society and become part of the available to anyone who wants to a high quality. Local Authority admissions study a degree and is capable of system. This non-discriminatory it, regardless of their age or Inclusion and Special Needs approach should be extended to background. It should be free at ED300 The Green Party supports staff who must not be more or the point of delivery. the principle of offering all people less likely to get a job in a faith ED501 Higher Education should the opportunity to be educated in school due to their own faith. not be an expectation for young a mainstream school, and OR people. Evidence suggests that meeting everyone's needs, However, we recognise that some the best results are achieved by whatever the level of need may parents will want to send their people who have an active desire be. There are many positive children to faith schools, and to study at this level when they benefits for all people in being within the conditions above will feel ready, rather than be an educated alongside people with a continue to fund them within the automatic extension of Further variety of different needs and state system. Education. abilities and this will lead to a ED354 The Green Party more integrated society. recognizes the right of parents to Funding ED301 In exceptional cases it is choose the kind of education that ED510 Higher Education is facing not appropriate to be fully shall be given to their children in a funding crisis. Departments are integrated into mainstream accordance with the Universal closing, students are being forced education for all subjects, for Declaration of Human Rights. to pay increasing fees for their example where there are multiple ED355 We will seek to cater for education, lecturers are working learning difficulties. In the longer these rights and needs through longer hours and receiving term the Green Party hopes to ensuring that children and young worsening pay and conditions address this through having people can practice their faith in and the student to tutor ratio is special units in mainstream schools. Religious instruction increasing. The Green Party schools. Local Authorities may (however) will take place outside would support a properly funded, explore ways of meeting of school curriculum time. accessible Higher Education particular needs, for example, ED356 We recognise the system which would reverse one school in an area can cater importance of human values and these trends. for people with visual impairment the moral dimension in learning, and another school for hearing often expressed through spiritual Accountability impairment. and political values. This will be ED520 Higher Education ED302 Ultimately some special achieved through the curriculum Institutions are funded directly by needs schools will continue to and ethos of the school and the state or through Chartered exist. Whether to attend a through understanding the Organisations and Trusts, mainstream or a special needs contribution we can all make to OR school is a very sensitive decision society. All HE Institutions and their and should be taken by the Student Unions should be publicly parent and young person together Health in Schools owned. with the advice of a special needs ED400 Schools and teachers ED521 All Governing bodies will coordinator. should continue to have a duty of adopt structures similar to the OR care towards young people. senate model used by Open The ultimate goal is for all Whilst we recognise that parents Universities. Governors and students to attend ordinary are more likely to have a Board members will be elected by schools and for there to be no significant influence on their both staff and students. special schools children in regards to most aspects of their personal Accessibility First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 15 / 23 ED530 Higher Education will offer ED570 Due to the nature of the mirror the fee they receive from real support to mature students economic growth we are the state for an EU student. and students with families. There experiencing there has been a will be a minimum requirement for shift in recent years away from Environmentalism in Higher Universities and Higher Education manufacture and industry-related Education Institutions Institutions to offer a free crèche subjects. Whilst trends in the ED620 Currently some to students and staff, nappy subjects students choose to study Institutions have some of the changing and breast-feeding will continue to evolve there worst records for their facilities as well as religious should be sufficient funding to environmental footprint. Under a facilities such as prayer spaces to protect minority subjects and to Green government Higher cater for people from a wide cater for potential swings back. Education will adhere to the same range of ages, religions and stringent regulations as large ethnic backgrounds. Research businesses and other institutions. Additional funding should be ED580 It is essential that there is Early Years education given to Open Universities to not a commercial bias in research Adult education make them more accessible. undertaken in Higher Education Further education Institutions. There will be Assessment Targets sufficient funding to encourage Rural Schools ED540 Where there are statistical independent and ethical research. Human scale education targets for Higher Education they Funding' should have a well-founded Transition into Higher Education purpose. For example the existing ED590 The Green Party Contact: Brian Heatley, Policy target of getting 50% of school recognises that under the current Co-ordinator leavers into Higher Education system the ability of students does not ensure a diverse transferring from school or Section O – Out of Order number of subjects are studied, Further Education to Higher Motions or that overall standards improve. Education is extremely diverse, Neither does it ensure that the sometimes depending on their Four motions have been ruled number of people studying social background or the school / out of order. On the two policy represent a wide cross-section of college they attended. Until this is motions, SOC took advice from society. no longer the case, in order to the Policy Committee before ensure full accessibility and high reaching its decision. The Elitism standards, institutions will be Standing Orders for the ED550 A disproportionate funded to offer an externally Conduct of Conference number of the highest salaries accredited Foundation Degree to explain: are offered to graduates of students they consider to have institutions which are considered the potential to study at a Higher “Motions or amendments to to be elitist, many of which select Level but who are not yet ready motions shall be ruled out of a very high proportion of students for it. order on grounds of being: from the independent sector. This Transition from Higher Education a) contrary to the should be addressed through a into Employment Constitution, combination of these institutions ED600 Studying any subject at a b) retrospective in their offering Widening Participation higher level should provide effect, Programmes and creating a people with transferable skills, c) ambiguous, series of firm targets for which will such as developing an enquiring d) vague, ensure increased social diversity mind, research skills and the e) trivial or requiring no through taking a proportionate ability to construct well-reasoned consequential action, amount of students from the state arguments. Some subjects are f) substantially changing policy sector. (Proportionate with other naturally more vocational than areas, or having complex institutions / proportionate with others. Students should be implications for other areas, school leavers? / proportionate prepared for the potential without having passed with school leavers applying for outcomes of their degrees at the through the agreed process of HE?) outset of the course and receive consultation or seeks to guidance throughout the course significantly amend the Standards in how to achieve them. principles passed in a policy ED560 Currently the standard of International Students motion or Voting Paper less achievement of students with ED610 Currently many Higher than two years previously, or if comparable degrees and results Education Institutions are it seeks to re-present a policy from different institutions is dependent on international proposal which has been inconsistent. There should be students due to the inflated fees debated and defeated at much more rigour applied to they pay. In some cases this can Conference less than two ensure consistency through lead them to accept international years previously (see external accreditation systems. students who are less able than Appendix A), except where it ED561 There should be systems EU students who they reject. is proposed by Regional in place to provide a quality Under a Green Government Council and agreed by SOC assurance of staff and full Higher Education Institutions that the specific exception to accountability within departments. would be properly funded by the that requirement shall be state so that where international made in respect of an area of Curriculum students are fee-paying the Party Policy for which urgent amount the institution charges will need to update or clarify the First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 16 / 23 policy outweighs the normal been debated. And the policy and the root causes that force consideration of procedure.” contradicts MG251 but makes no people to leave their societies attempt to amend that.” must be combated. Anyone who SOC has a duty to rule any such SOC decided therefore to apply has ever tried building a fortress submitted motions out of order – SOCC C 9(f) that this motion Europe has failed. it is not a choice. If the members substantially changes policy The borders of the European of SOC, in their collective areas on the first point and that Union are not limited to the judgement, consider that a motion it has implications for other exterior borders, but are also is in breach of any of the areas that have not been present at airports, in summary requirements above, it must rule it considered on the second controls of identity within the out of order. point. borders and in the electronic control systems that are being SOC has provided explanations implemented throughout Europe. for its decisions at the end of O2 Policy Motion - EU Now more than ever we need each motion. Migration shared positions. The European Greens agree on a common O1 Policy Motion - EU Synopsis approach to Migration, Migration At the recent European Green emphasizing solidarity. Looking at Party Council meeting in it as a global phenomenon it MIGRATION section of Europe Ljubljana, the policy paper on provides opportunities for Policy Migration ‘Europe is a continent effective analysis. We Greens EU781 of Migration’ was passed. Our base our position on the rights Add at beginning: party was the only party in that citizens must have. It is not The Green Party supports the Europe which did not vote in based on the restrictions that we principle of a Common favour. At a time when migration would impose on them. Immigration Policy for the and the issue of human rights, European Union. We believe that deportation of asylum seekers We Greens strive for proactive shared obligations towards and refugees and their treatment policies that benefit the migrant Asylum Seekers (see EU780) and in this country is constantly in the and the society as a whole. immigrants provides the best news, we believe that our party Inclusion policy – we prefer this available way to deal with future should have a progressive and term to the commonly used one challenges arising from refugees forward looking policy on this “integration” – is not a favour to displaced by climate change and issue. Furthermore, as a party in migrants, it is needed for the other factors. an state of the EU, which must whole society to function. It is an have policies on the rights of EU enriching process for the whole EU784 (new clause) citizens seeking employment and population. If It is not done well – "The Green Party believes that other rights in this state, we as is the case in most European the greenhouse gas emissions of believe that we must update our countries – problems, fears, all European states have current policy on this issue in the anxieties, prejudice on both sides substantially contributed to light of recent immigration from can and do occur. Climate Change. This has already the new member states of the caused extreme weather events European Union. We Greens believe in diversity as impacting most strongly upon the a positive value. We are not poorest states in the World. We Motion afraid of the prospect of change envisage this situation may We call upon the Green Party of in our communities, being become worse until significant England and Wales to adopt the supportive of inclusion as a cuts in greenhouse gases in the policies outlined in the policy dialogue and not as an atmosphere are achieved. We paper ‘Europe is a continent of imposition. therefore believe that European Migration’ outlined below, as our states have a general duty to policy in relation to immigration We Greens want to open more alleviate the problems they have and the rights of migrants in this bridges into Europe: it is helped cause. They should state. Furthermore, we call upon fundamental for us. We want to relieve poverty in the poorest GPEx and the party’s elected broaden the legal channels states and, whenever necessary, representatives to ensure that the through which people settle in the provide homes for refugees who values and rights enshrined in EU. If there are legal ways to may have been displaced as the this paper are those of the party Europe, less people will go a result of European patterns of in relation to all dealings with dangerous and potential deadly consumption and profligate use of government and those journey. fossil fuels." organisations which deal with the welfare of migrants. These principles will not prevent Proposed by: Steve Dawe (**), us from working on the causes Brian Leslie, James Caspell, Tim Europe is a continent of that make migration a necessity Turner migration and not a choice. Actions to The act of free movement as well combat climate change must be The Policy Committee advised as the freedom to stay, are further developed and given the SOC that “this is a substantial human rights. Migrants have enough funding to guarantee change of policy, and while there shaped cultures and societies in definite results. This will also has been some debate on the the past, and will continue doing bring about new jobs. The EU Population list recently about so. However, forced migration must throw all of its energy migration, this EU point has not leads to suffering and decline, towards preventing conflicts and First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 17 / 23 restore peaceful conditions all made on national level. EGP calls In the last years politicians from over the world. Improving for a legal framework on EU-level Europe consider the possibility of codevelopment and making sure for minimum standards on the integration as a requisite to the EU devotes part of its budget rights of labour migrants. The EU migrate to Europe. We Greens towards education and has to guarantee protection reject this view: integration is a development schemes in the against abuse by employers and goal and inclusion processes are sourcing countries is only a slum lords, give migrants the the tool that society uses to help means of restoring balance in possibility and responsibility to all citizens to participate. European migration policies integrate, develop their skills and Inclusion must happen when the which are skewed to law- participate. The minimum migrant is in Europe, not before. enforcement objectives rather standards encompass Inclusion policy is desirable and than providing treatment transparency, criteria and time needed for the better functioning characterized by humanity, care, limits on application procedures, of our society as a whole respect and empathy. the right to the national minimum wage, family reunification and Green inclusion policy: a two Full access to the labour access to housing and education. way process market for all EU residents For us Greens is fundamental to Before looking at the potential Failure of the “Guest worker recognize that an integrated labour migrants outside the system” society is one that respects European Union, Member States All types of migration lead to a diverse groups as well as should first grant full access to transfer of skills, ideas, individuals. It is not only the the labour market to all present knowledge, create links and migrant that should adapt to residents within the Union. That interpersonal networks, contribute Europe: Europe must also adapt means that nationals of the “new to social and economic to the migrant. The inclusion member states” have the full development of both home and process is a dialogue, and as any freedom of movement host countries, as well as other dialogue has two directions. immediately after their accession. contributing to workers As much as we ask from migrants All third country nationals already themselves. Nowadays most to adapt into a new society, we settled in the EU, including their migrants cannot move freely to also ask the existing society to family members, should have full and from their home countries, change in a way that the access to the labour market, because leaving the European newcomers feel welcome. health and education facilities. Union means a big risk of never Against the structural and factual being admitted anymore. EGP In this dialogue it is also clear for discrimination of women the visas rejects the proposed idea of Greens that all people have to and working permits of female circular migration, admitting accept the principles many immigrants should be migrants only temporary, because women and men have fought for independent from the ones of of the risk of failure like the old for decades, like secularity and their husbands and children so “Guest worker system”. Migrants separation of religion and state, they are not dependent on the that are admitted temporarily women’s rights, rights of sexual right of men and children to stay must have the chance to obtain a minorities, democratic rules of in a country. After three years of permanent residence permit. majority decision making, with residence and work, they should Member States should stimulate respect for minorities’ opinion, receive the same social rights migration by creating conditions and others. and freedom of movement and for migrants, without affecting settlement as European Union their rights and choices. Green inclusion policy: citizens. Furthermore, the EU shall organizations and networks contribute to the transfer of skills Migrants organize in different EU policy on labour migration: and knowledge by granting ways in every country. We blue card, temporary migration access to their universities and Greens recognize the positive and minimum standards high schools to a generous role that these organized To the EU proposal of a blue card number of people from individuals can contribute to the for highly skilled migrants, EGP “developing countries”. inclusion process. As important wants to add the possibility of as formal organizations, we facilitated entry for semi-skilled Greens, migrants and society recognize and value the and unskilled workers. This would We Greens recognize that existence of informal networks of allow third country nationals to Europe today is a continent in individuals, as valuable in our enter the EU legally, search for which many cultures coexist. We society. work and get a working permit strive for inclusion processes legally. After a certain period of through which all inhabitants from Green inclusion policy: rights time – for example two or three Europe can increase their of the migrant years – it should be possible to equitable participation in the All migrants are entitled to change from a temporary to a society. The goal of these fundamental human rights. Family permanent status. processes and our ideal society is reunification is one of those one in which all citizens are rights: we fully honour everyone's Knowing that the needs and integrated, with equal rights and right to live with his or her family, realities of the labour markets are fair chances. as stated in the European different in each Member State, Convention on Human Rights. the EGP does not favour a central Integration: it must not be a There is a tendency of EU quota for the whole EU, but prerequisite for migrants, but a Member States to restrain people prefers choices on numbers being goal from exercising this right, making First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 18 / 23 unreasonable demands to such as family reunification and acknowledge the International migrants who want to reunify their access to the labour market. If the Refugee Conventions and the family in the European Union. conflict they fled is still going on European Convention on Human Barriers such as having to pass a after three years, they should be Rights. Human Rights must be language test in their home granted a permanent residence integrated in the training of country or requiring that they earn permit. Frontex personal. The EGP much more than the minimum criticizes Frontex, the EU agency wage are prejudicial. We Greens Climate change refugees with the responsibility to manage reject these requirements and There are now migrants, borders, for rather aiming at guarantee the right to live in displaced persons and their deterring migrants than protecting family. Other rights can be families, who must leave their them when they arrive in the EU. incremental in time, up to the land because of environmental The EU should never stop people point in which migrants have the disaster that results from both from eventually claiming asylum same equal rights that European incremental and rapid ecological and becoming recognised citizens have. We strive for a and climatic change that includes refugees. Since addressing the society in which all individuals are sea level rise, coastal erosion, reasons for migration is not equal against the law. desertification, collapsing Frontex’s responsibility it cannot ecosystems, water contamination decrease the number of irregular Access to asylum and weather events that are more migrants coming to the EU, Every person who needs shelter frequent and unpredictable. As a however, it should save lives by according to the Geneva result, inhabitants are unable to rescuing boat people. Conventions must have the live safe or sustainable lives in possibility to get access to a fair their immediate environment. Detention asylum procedure in Europe. The Some island nations may cease The European Greens oppose Greens demand that access to a to exist. The word refugee has the principle of detaining persons fair asylum procedure is always been used with strong moral not found guilty of any crime but granted to those who need it, in a connotations of societal who just violated an language the asylum seeker protection in most world cultures, administrative rule (i.e. entering understands or with the help of and it must now be extended to or staying without proper translator and with free legal those who are forced to migrate documentation in the European assistance at all stages of the because of climatic change. Union). Detention is a juridical procedure. In each case an paradox. As long as detention still individual assessment is needed, The Dublin convention exists the EGP calls for a based on objective information of The EGP favours the revision or detention as short a possible the human rights situation in the removal of the Dublin II (preferably only a few days) and home country. Agencies should convention on the grounds that it in the best conditions possible (as never use lists of “safe third creates a disproportionate burden regards to recreation, hygiene countries” which rarely reflect the for some countries and and privacy), and never be harsh living conditions in some complicates the processing of applied to minors, asylum countries. The agency asylum claims. The removal of seekers and those in vulnerable responsible for processing the this Convention is essential for positions. All detainees should claim should be independent from small former “transit” countries. have access to free legal advice, the government. Member States should show social assistance and medical more mutual solidarity in taking support within the centre. For a Protection on the grounds of the responsibility for asylum better transparency, centres gender and sexual orientation requests. The European Union should be checked by an Gender reasons to escape the has to guarantee an overall high institution responsible for country of origin like genital level of protection. We end the controlling the standards of mutilation, oppression and system that border countries detention places. Centres should religious persecution because of carry most of the migration also be made accessible to gender, ‘honour crimes’, rape, burden: asylum seekers are politicians, media, NGOs and forced abortion or sterilisation allowed to seek asylum (only) international organisations. The must be accepted as reasons to once in the country of their use of handcuffs and other get asylum in all EU countries, as choice, which is not necessarily degrading treatment on migrants well as persecution on grounds of the country where they entered is condemned. sexual orientation. Neither the Europe. The European Refugee acknowledged difficulty of Fund will compensate financially Improving the situation for bringing the proof of the Member States dealing with the irregular migrants aforementioned persecutions nor biggest share of asylum seekers. Many irregular migrants suffer the concept of “safe countries” Asylum seekers may not be from their insecure situation, the should have a negative impact on deported to neighbouring lack of rights and the risk of granting the status of refugee countries without having abuse and exploitation. Irregular according to the Geneva assessed the asylum claim. migrants should have access to Convention. basic provisions such as health Borders care, and education for children. Protection of persons fleeing a The EGP favours an EU- EGP wants to diminish their conflict competency for surveillance of number by creating more legal Asylum seekers fleeing a conflict external borders of the Union, in ways for entering the European should be granted a high quality order not to overwhelm border- Union. Furthermore, EGP favours protection, with minimum rights, countries. Frontex has to regularisations for irregular First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 19 / 23 migrants who have contributed to towards that of the European short notice, a vote at a meeting the Member States for a number Green Party, but that it is to which every member of the of years. inconsistent with the MfSS policy local party has been invited will against a common European be deemed sufficient. The Assistance to irregular migration policy (MG251). Either decision of the local/regional migrants way it should be ruled out.” Party is binding on all elected The EGP recognizes a distinction representatives who are between people helping out SOC agreed that the motion members of that Party and they irregular migrants (smugglers, should be ruled out of order on are required to act upon it. people offering a shelter or the following grounds SOCC rescuing them at sea...) and 9(c ) – in that it was Proposed by: Clare O’Regan (**), people abusing migrants ambiguous. The motion is not Lynda Pickersgill, Paul Cooney, (traffickers, slumlords...). considered trivial – if it had James Caspell Although the abuse of migrants is been passed it would have to be sanctioned, helping been entered in to the Record SOCC 9(a) Contrary to the undocumented migrants should of Policy Statements. However, Constitution – on two grounds be tolerated and not considered a a motion that flatly contradicts (1) Elsewhere in the Constitution crime. Captains who rescue boat the MfSS without attempt to it states “Local Parties may be people should not be punished by amend the MfSS is clearly formed by groups of members of The law. Instead all member states ambiguous in that it does not Green Party who shall determine should open their harbours for lead the party to a clear their own constitution, in castaways. position on what is its policy in accordance with bye-laws to be this area. approved Human trafficking, smuggling from time to time by the Annual networks Conference.” The best way to attack the O3 Organisation Motion - smugglers networks is to deprive Elected Representatives The motion seeks to tell how local them of their profits. There are Parties will take certain decisions policies that have indirect effects Motion that are not within the remit of the on the profitability of the The existing statement within the by-laws. Instead it could be said that trafficking business. constitution in Section 10, which such decisions are the very stuff of Regularization campaigns, refers to Elected Representatives, local parties. By setting out a amnesties for illegal migrants, job says; Constitutional requirement as to the training reduce the expected v) When entering into agreements method of such an important profits of traffickers as they with other political parties, decision without seeking to amend reduce the enforceability of debt politicians and groups, elected other parts of the Constitution, we contracts between intermediates members and other consider the motion to be contrary to and migrants. In the legal sector representatives must take into the Constitution. trafficking agreements are harder consideration the long-term best to enforce, the migrant defaults interests of the Party. Such (2) Further, the Constitution also and can turn to the police for decisions should be made after states elsewhere: protection once he or she consultation with the relevant receives legal status. In order to local or regional party/ies. “Elected members and other fight against to human trafficking, representatives have a the victims of human trafficking To be replaced with responsibility to promote the who have been forced (or are v) When entering into agreements policies of the national and local meant to be forced) to work in the with other political parties, green parties, as expressed in the sex industry or in diplomatic or politicians and groups, elected MfSS and national, regional and other households, who have been members and other local manifestos. Where they do or are meant to be forced into representatives must take into not agree with Party policy and marriage, etc. in the EU against consideration the long-term best publicly state their own position, their will should get the right to interests of the Party. An they should at the same stay and get a regular working ‘agreement’ is taken to include time state and explain the permit. joining a coalition or voting position of the Green Party.” another party into a controlling position on an elected body. Such The motion set out to introduce a Proposed by: Joseph Healy (**), decisions should be made only local party ‘whip’ without the Pete Murry, Derek Wall, Andy after consultation with the opportunity for an opt-out as Hewett relevant local or regional offered as a Constitutional right to party/ies. The consultation must members of the Party. As above, The Policy Committee advised be conducted in such a way that we consider this motion therefore SOC that “The European Green’s every member of the local party is to be contrary to the Constitution. migration motion should we think aware of the process, and be ruled out, but we are divided coordinators of other local parties SOCC 9(d) vague & SOCC 9(c) about the grounds…some think within the region are informed ambiguous the motion is simply ‘trivial or and their opinions taken into In addition SOC considers that requiring no consequential action’ consideration. If no consensus is the motion is ‘vague’ and/or in that it doesn’t actually amend reached, a vote must be taken ‘ambiguous’. It sets out a our policy at all. And some of us within the local party. As a method of taking a decision but think it does change our policy decision may need to be made at uses terms such as ‘short notice’. First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 20 / 23 However it does not attempt to activity within the constituency clarify what is ‘short notice’ – in (evidence should be Amendment: those terms it is ‘vague’ and as a provided); or, consequence it is ‘ambiguous’ as (ii) The Green Party saved its Add at the beginning of clause (a) the interpretation of ‘short’ will deposit in the seat at the last the words: “Until this policy is vary from member to member General Election. amended by conference or by and party to member. Therefore (c) This motion shall not preclude GPEX (see clause (g)),” SOC does not consider there is the offer of general advice or enough detail in the motion for it support of a non-financial Add additional clause (g) as be interpreted. variety where requested by follows: the local party/ies (e.g. media (g) The motion shall be binding support, advice from national on GPEX until 31st December O4 Organisational Motion election agent). 2010, after which they may – Criteria for funding (d) The final decision on whether review the policy and amend it Parliamentary By-Election to stand and on the choice of as they consider appropriate, candidate shall rest with the subject to compliance with (a) No direct national funding or local party/ies, or with the any future decision of subsidy will be provided to regional party where no local conference on this topic. pay for campaign expenses in party exists; however, unless any parliamentary by-election the above criteria above are Proposed by York Green Party: except where the following met, no direct financial signed by John Norris (**), conditions are met: support will be provided from Andrew Collingwood, Andy (i) The constituency in question national funds. The decision Chase, Dave Taylor must be covered by one or of the local or regional more active and properly party/ies on whether to stand The Constitution states constituted local parties; shall be final and a candidate elsewhere: (ii) Wards comprising at least will not be “imposed” where 50% of the constituency they have decided not to i) There shall be a Green Party electorate must have been contest the seat. Executive (hereinafter referred to contested* in the last regular (e) This policy does not constitute as the Party Executive) which local elections in the area (i.e. an obligation on the national shall be responsible for the excluding local by-elections); party to provide direct overall and day-to-day direction of (iii) There has been effective all- financial support where the the Party. year round campaigning in at above conditions are met. least one ward in the (f) GPEX are requested to find a SOCC 9(a) Contrary to the constituency in the past 12 way of developing a Constitution months (i.e. regular leafleting “package”, including leaflet The decisions referred to by or canvassing, or where the and freepost templates, and a this motion are considered by party has elected list of potential by-election SOC to be properly those of representatives). The local helpers and advisers, so that GPEx – in particular its right to party/ies will be expected to this can be offered to the local raise funds, and spend such provide evidence of this; and, party/ies in by-elections where funds. SOC therefore considers (iv) All local parties in the area the above criteria have been this to be contrary to the fully support the candidature. met. constitution and therefore rules (b) In addition, at least one of the the motion out of order under following criteria must be met: * Note: a single candidature in a SOCC9(a) (i) The selected candidate has a multiple vacancy ward will count demonstrable record of as being “contested” for the political and/or community purposes of this motion.

First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 21 / 23 Contact details for motions in this agenda

Sarah Birch 48C Wilberforce Road, London N4 2SR [email protected]

Dilys Cluer 19 Alexandra Park, Scarborough, YO12 5JN [email protected]

Roger Creagh-Osborne Colloggett Cottage, Landulph, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6ND 07736 741268 [email protected]

Hazel & Steve Dawe 27 Audley Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1XF, 01732-355185

Chris Fox 45 Park Road, Wivenhoe, Essex, CO7 9LS [email protected]

Alan Francis 6 Spencer St, new Bradwell, Milton Keynes MK13 0DW 01908 316921 [email protected]

Brian Heatley Lorton Barn, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5QH 01305 816514 [email protected]

Stuart Jeffery 60 Boxley Rd Maidstone ME142TW 01622-808370 [email protected]

Chris Keene 33 Dell Crescent, Norwich, NR5 8QB [email protected]

Jean Lambert Office of Jean Lambert MEP, Suite 58, The Hop Exchange, 24 Southwark Street London, SE1 1TY, [email protected], 020-7407-6269

Richard Lawson Walnut House, Dolberrow, Churchill, Winscombe, BS25 5NT, 01934-853-606 [email protected]

Clive Lord 44 Upper Batley Low Lane, Batley, West Yorkshire WF17 0AP 01924-472767 [email protected]

Richard Mallender c/o The Green Party, 1A Waterlow Road, N19 5NJ [email protected]

Peter Murry 18a Oxgate Gardens NW2 6EB 07736-525187 [email protected]

Penelope Newsome 17 Merton Road, Norwich, NR2 3TT 01603-219294 [email protected]

Keith Ross Flat 4 Brockley Court, 103 St Helen’s Avenue, Swansea SA1 4NW 0845-345-5768 [email protected]

Dean Walton 202 Malpas Road, Brockley, SE4 1DH 07880-748259 [email protected]

Ann Were 12 Drybridge Street, Monmouth, NP25 5AD [email protected]

David Wylie Cottage 2, Burrow Heights Farm, Lancaster, LA2 0PG 01524-751502 [email protected]

First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 22 / 23 Prioritisation Ballot

This ballot is to be used to guide SOC in determining the order of motions in Sections C and D in the Final Agenda. Please choose up to three motions in each section.

This ballot is being conducted online: http://www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk/h/f/GREEN/show_survey////?ans_id=7

However if you don’t have access to the internet please complete this form

Please indicate which THREE motions are your top priorities in each section. You may only cast one vote for any particular motion.

C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26

C27 C28 C29 C30 C31 C32

C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38

C39 C40 C41 C42

D51 D52 D53 D54 D55 D56

Please complete the following:

Name:

Signature: Local Party:

This form may be copied, and any member may vote once.

You can also send your prioritisation by email to [email protected] – look at the introduction to this agenda for details of the additional information SOC require to validate your email signature.

Return to: Dean Walton, SOC Convenor, 202 Malpas Road, Brockley, LONDON, SE4 1DH by the end of Thursday 24th July 2008.

First Agenda for Green Party Spring Conference 2008 page 23 / 23