NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice

NEW GROUND WELCOME

It has been a time of change at Outside SERA, environmental further, looking closely at how the SERA recently, with the arrival of a issues have continued to rise up the environment is swinging the vote. new National Coordinator and two political agenda – from the new Co-Chairs. It seems fitting elections, to the US primaries, This edition also marks the launch of then that New Ground has a new candidates’ green credentials have our ‘Big, Red and Green’ campaign, look and feel for this first edition been at the fore. In this edition to find the huge ideas that will ‘under new management’. of New Ground, we explore this help win votes for Labour in the next election. Already a number of leading Labour politicians have got involved through our on-line blog (at www.sera.org.uk), but we hope that CONTENTS as many members as possible will get involved in discussing the ideas P3 NEWS CLIMATE CHANGE BILL STRENGTHENED that will shape our future. P3 NEWS TORIES AND LIB DEMS FAIL WIND POWER TEST We hope that you enjoy this edition of the new-look New Ground. NEWS NUCLEAR NOT THE ANSWER P4 NEWS WINNING THE GREEN VOTE P5 Best wishes, Andrew Pakes P5 NEWS CHANGING THE EMPHASIS OF STREETS Justine Thornton SERA Co-chairs. NEWS SERA’S NEW YEAR RECEPTION P6 - 7 NEWS INSIDE SERA P7 PS Don’t forget to email us with your comments and suggestions for future FEATURE “Keeping London Leading The World” articles. P8 - 9 KEN LIVINGSTONE ON THE LONDON ELECTIONS

FEATURE “Greening The Whitehouse? New Ground is published by SERA, JON SOHN & BRIAN PRUSNECK ON THE 2008 US 2nd Floor, 1 London Bridge, PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION P10 - 11 Downstream Building London SE1 9BG ” TEL 0207 022 1985 OPINION “Going Green Down Under EMAIL [email protected] SERA CO-CHAIR ANDREW PAKES ARGUES THE www.sera.org.uk ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNFICANCE OF A LABOR WIN IN AUSTRALIA P12 If you would like to contribute to future editions or to join our mailing “Right Words” OPINION list, please contact Melanie Smallman, THE LEFT NEEDS A NEW WAY OF TALKING ABOUT THE National Coordinator. ENVIRONMENT ARGUES MELANIE SMALLMAN, P13 SERA’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR The views expressed in New Ground are not necessarily those of SERA, its “It’s a Wrap” OPINION executive or its members. EXECUTIVE MEMBER JAKE SUMNER PUTS THE CASE FOR P14 - 15 STANDARDS IN RECYCLING PROVISION LOCAL NEWS SERA REGIONAL NEWS P16 - 18 P19 PARLIAMENTARY NEWS PARLIAMENTARY SERA GET INVOLVED LAUNCHING SERA’S BIG, RED & GREEN CAMPAIGN P20

2. NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice NEWS ‘STRENGTHENED’ CLIMATE CHANGE BILL IN FRONT OF PARLIAMENT

A ‘strengthened’ Climate Change Forward the UK Climate Change Bill has been put in front of Bill’, asks the Committee to look at Parliament this spring, following the implications of including other a three-month public consultation greenhouse gases and emissions and pre-legislative scrutiny by from international aviation and three parliamentary committees. shipping in the UK’s targets as part of this review. It also strengthens When originally published in March their role, including by requiring the 2007, the draft Bill set out clear Government to seek the Committee’s legally binding targets for reducing advice before amending the 2020 or carbon dioxide emissions in the 2050 targets in the Bill and requiring UK by at least 60 per cent by 2050 the Government to explain its and 26 to 32 per cent by 2020. This reasons to Parliament if it does not was to be based on a new system accept the Committee’s advice on of “carbon budgets” set at least the level of the carbon budget, or if fifteen years ahead. It also proposed it does not meet a budget or target. the creation of a new independent, expert Committee on Climate Change to advise on the best way to For more information on SERA’s achieve these targets. work on the Climate Change Bill, please email Parliamentary Officer Amanda Root at The updated draft Bill, set out in a [email protected] Command Paper entitled ‘Taking

TORIES AND LIB-DEMS FAIL WIND POWER TEST

Conservative and Liberal In 2007 alone, the potential to “This research shows that there are Democrat run councils are generate 740mw wind power has considerable differences between blocking the development been refused planning permission the three main parties when it of wind power in the UK, – enough to power 400,000 homes. comes to the acceptability of wind according to the latest research power. If we are to meet the 20 per by SERA, released in January. “These figures raise serious cent target for renewables by 2020 challenges to ’s that the Labour Government has The research, which analysed the attempts to rebrand the Tories set, then it’s vital that the grass- outcome of planning applications and show that on wind power, he roots Tory and Liberal councillors to build wind farms made to local clearly hasn’t won over the hearts act more responsibly and show councils in the last 18 months, and minds of his party. Despite genuine support for wind power.” found that Conservative and his national rhetoric, the natural Liberal Democrat run councils have response of local Tories is to supported just 20 per cent of such oppose local renewable schemes A full copy of the windfarm report applications, while Labour councils or adopt a NIMBY approach” will be available from the SERA have approved 70 per cent. said Andrew Pakes, Co-Chair of website www.sera.org.uk SERA and author of the report.

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 3. NEWS

NUCLEAR NOT THE ANSWER

SERA expressed its disappointment Many investors are beginning and cannot ride to the rescue of in the Government’s decision to take an interest in supporting our 2020 energy mix in the way to expand nuclear power in innovative and competitive that the Government might hope. the UK, in January 2008. generating technologies such as wind, wave, tidal, solar and small- “Opinions on the value of nuclear In a public statement and a letter scale generating technologies. power differ substantially. However, to the Prime Minister and John Others, in particular Labour all experts agree that the costs Hutton, Secretary of State for councils and community housing associated with managing a Business, Enterprise and Regulatory groups, are investing in on-site safe and efficient nuclear power Reform, SERA executive members combined heating and electricity program mean that it would be Hugh Goulbourne and Lydia generating systems as well as highly negligent to allow it to go Merryll warned the Government other energy saving technologies. ahead without substantial public not to waste tax-payers money These technologies are reliable subsidy. Given the need for a mix on nuclear energy generation. and efficient. They can also be of generating and energy saving implemented within relatively technologies and the fact that “While we support the Government’s short to medium term time scales nuclear power cannot come on desire to tackle climate change allowing us to meet our EU 2020 stream in time to effect our 2020 and look at how the UK’s energy targets for a 20% reduction targets we continue to stress that sources can address this, we remain in CO2 emissions and 20% a current round of conventional concerned that the decision has not renewable energy generation.” nuclear replacement is not only addressed the considerable risks and unjustifiable, but an irrelevance to uncertainties on the use of nuclear Alongside the letter and statement, the stability of the UK. Instead, we power and the decommissioning of SERA also launched a pamphlet by would encourage the Government nuclear waste, in particular safety SERA’s Parliamentary Coordinator to continue its dialogue with all and cost.” The letter explained. Alan Whitehead MP, which added interested parties as to how to create further weight to the argument a truly diversified energy system” “In addition to our concerns about that nuclear is not the answer. The concludes Hugh Goulbourne. the safety and sustainability of the pamphlet ‘Do We Need Nuclear?’ UK’s nuclear generating industry, argues that the ‘stark facts’ about Copies of the letters, statement the decision will send a confused nuclear power, when looked at and pamphlet are available on signal to the energy market. in detail, indicate that it will not SERA’s website www.sera.org.uk

4. NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice NEWS

WINNING THE GREEN VOTE

A small group of Labour MPs compared to strong Labour voters? in marginal constituencies were Michael Jacobs introduced the invited to share their ideas for meeting, explaining that Labour winning the green vote with needed to be seen to be leading the Prime Minister’s adviser on commitments to renewables on the environment, Michael and a low-carbon economy, but Jacobs, at a special SERA that it was also important to make meeting in January 2008. the environmental agenda visible with concrete proposals, such as With issues relating to the the current thinking around low- environment rising up the public energy lightbulbs. Ideas put forward agenda, the meeting was set up by MPs included the potential for discuss how environmental policies renewable energy projects such can become bigger vote winners for as the London Array to generate Labour, as part of SERA’s manifesto ‘green collar’ jobs and create process. In particular, the meeting enthusiasm for sustainability. asked: Which environmentally friendly policies do voters see as If you have ideas to contribute to successful? Is there a difference our manifesto process, join the in the kinds of environmental Big, Red and Green debate issues raised by undecided voters at www.sera.org.uk

speed restriction on all urban streets of transport involving physical CHANGING and that a hierarchy, whereby activity. Higher usage of streets THE EMPHASIS emphasis is given to reducing and by pedestrians and cyclists will slowing traffi c, be placed at the help combat obesity and related OF STREETS centre of all planning policy. mortality and morbidity. It will also help reduce climate change Six ‘realistic and achievable’ The meeting, which included emissions,” explains Romney proposals for changing the representatives from Sustrans and Tansley, SERA Executive member emphasis of streets, making them other cycling groups, was the fi rst in and convenor of the meeting. safer for cyclists, have been put a series that aims to develop a set “The fi rst meeting identifi ed some forward by a stakeholder group, of concrete proposals for improving very interesting and achievable convened by SERA earlier this year. streets for non-motorised traffi c. proposals that make cycling safer, but we now want to broaden out Amongst the proposals is the “Local facilities and services should this to develop a concrete vision suggestion that urban design should be easily accessible on foot, for how we can make streets more be used to introduce a 20mph by bicycle and by other modes usable for pedestrians too.”

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 5. NEWS NEW YEAR RECEPTION

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, was the guest speaker at this year’s SERA reception, which took place in Westminster on February 5th. The reception, hosted by SERA president and sponsored by the Co-operative group, acted as a formal thank-you to those who have given their time and resources to SERA over the past year. It also marked the launch of SERA’s Big, Red and Green campaign, to identify environmental ideas that will change our lives in a distinctly Labour way, in preparation for our next manifesto.

DAVID MILIBAND INTRODUCES THE GUEST SPEAKER GUEST SPEAKER HILARY BENN

SERA CO-CHAIR ANDREW PAKES TALKS TO RT HON HILARY BENN MP & THE COOPERATIVE GROUP’S THE SERA RECEPTION JAMES O’LEARY. JUSTINE THORNTON

SERA PRESIDENT RT HON DAVID MILIBAND MP GREETS GUEST SPEAKER RT HON FORMER SERA CHAIR HYWEL LLOYD & SERA EXECUTIVE MEMBER TONY BELTON & HILARY BENN MP. EXECUTIVE MEMBER LYDIA MERRYLL ’S MICHAEL WHITE.

6. NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice NEWS

DAVID MILIBAND CHATS TO NATIONAL COORDINATOR DAVID MILIBAND & HILARY BENN TALKS TO MELANIE SMALLMAN & EXECUTIVE MEMBER JAKE SUMNER ANDREW PAKES & JUSTINE THORNTON

SERA PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER TALKS TO EXECUTIVE MEMBER NICHOLAS RUSSELL

NEW NATIONAL MOVING ON UP NEW CO-CHAIRS COORDINATOR

SERA said fond farewells to Two new co-chairs for SERA were Melanie Smallman has been two familiar faces in December. elected at January’s executive appointed as SERA’s new National Emma Burnell, who had been meeting, following Hywel Lloyd’s Coordinator. As SERA’s only full-time SERA’s National Coordinator decision to step down due to work employee, Melanie is responsible since 2005, moved on to a new commitments. Andrew Pakes and for overseeing all of the work of the post of Director of the Women’s Justine Thornton have agreed to SERA office and is a useful first point Environmental Network. SERA share the position, bringing their of contact for members. Chair, Hywel Lloyd stepped shared expertise to the role. down to take a secondment as Prior to her appointment at advisor to at the Both longstanding active SERA SERA, Melanie ran a science and Department for Communities members, Andrew is a Labour environmental communications and Local Government. Both Councillor in the London Borough agency and was an advisor and Emma and Hywel have made of Southwark, the Labour & speechwriter to Defra’s chief significant contributions Co-operative Parliamentary scientist. She is also a long-standing to SERA over the past few Spokesperson for his home town Labour party campaigner, having years and SERA’s Executive of Milton Keynes North and works been a front-bench councillor expressed their gratitude, on as a transport and environmental in London for 10 years and a behalf of all SERA members consultant. Justine provides advice parliamentary candidate in 2005. on law and policy and is a former the coordinator of the SERA Energy Melanie can be contacted at campaign group. [email protected] or on 0107 022 1985.

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 7. FEATURE

KEEPING LONDON LEADING THE WORLD ON CLIMATE CHANGE In the run up to the London Elections in May, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone tells SERA about his plans for keeping London a world leader on climate change and why they can only be delivered by Labour Mayor.

As Mayor of London I have set myself experienced a cycling renaissance David Cameron may project a green three tasks: to maintain London’s over the last few years, with image, but the Tories have opposed success, to help all Londoners cycling levels up over 80%. most of the environmental measures take part in that success, and to that I have put forward and every ensure that success is sustainable We have established the Green one of my budgets. ’s by tackling climate change and Homes Advice service, along with principal contribution to the green protecting the environment. This major subsidised offers for home debate until recently was to describe last point draws out some of most insulation and energy efficient in his Daily Telegraph column being acute divisions between myself light-bulbs, to help Londoners “intoxicated” by George Bush’s and the Tory Mayoral candidate, help themselves in cutting both decision to “scrumple up the Kyoto Boris Johnson – and perhaps more pollution and home energy costs. protocol and use it for putting surprisingly, between myself and The London Climate Change Agency practice in the White House”. the Lib Dem, Brian Paddick. has also started work on delivering low-carbon decentralised energy Already, the Mayoral election Over the last eight years London has supply in London and my planning campaign is revealing that Johnson’s become a world leader in tackling regulations have resulted in a 20% attitudes to the environment climate change and enhancing the reduction in carbon emissions have change very little. urban environment. In the election from the many new developments I will make it clear that if re-elected taking place, as we regenerate The first real test of whether Mayoral I intend to continue down this path, the east of London in particular. candidates are serious about the making tackling climate change the green agenda will be whether or fulcrum around which my policies for Backed by the Labour government’s not to proceed with a higher charge the Mayoral term are constructed. funding we have raised recycling for the most polluting cars in the We are already making progress. The levels from 6% to 21%. This is central London congestion zone. London Climate Change Action Plan still inadequate, but the Mayor’s was the world’s first comprehensive office lacks the powers to make Three quarters of carbon emissions programme to cut carbon emissions sufficient further progress. from transport come from private by any government at any level. vehicles and many people continue London also led the world with the In recognition of our work and to need to drive for a variety of trips. congestion charge, a lead which policies in these areas, London has To make further progress in cutting other cities such New York and been asked to chair the C40 group emissions we need to encourage Stockholm are now following. of global cities fighting climate drivers to use the least polluting cars. change. This is a fantastic platform Partly as a result of this we are from which to encourage other cities That is why I will soon take a decision achieving a shift away from private around the world – which collectively on whether to amend the central car usage to public transport, are responsible for three quarters London congestion charge, so that cycling and walking. Indeed, of all global carbon emissions – to gas-guzzling cars like some 4x4s historic levels of investment, along also establish serious programmes – the so-called ‘Chelsea Tractors’ with a new network of bus and to tackle climate change. – and high powered sports cars, cycle lanes, has meant London has pay a charge of £25 a day rather

8. NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice FEATURE

than the standard £8. As an incentive to switch to the cleanest Another early decision will be on cars, low and zero emissions planning policy. Conservative London vehicles would pay nothing. Assembly members have opposed green improvements to London’s Boris Johnson, a motoring planning regulations, which would correspondent among his many require all major new developments sidelines, has already stated to meet the highest standards of that he opposes this charge on green building design, to connect gas-guzzlers, as has the Liberal to ultra-efficient decentralized Democrat, Brian Paddick. Neither energy supply, and to meet at have said what steps they would least 20 per cent of the remaining take to curb emissions from cars. energy needs through renewable Johnson’s Tory colleagues have energy. Johnson has yet to make also spent the last two years up his mind, but his disregard for opposing my plan to make London renewable energy such as wind a Low Emission Zone, to cut the power is well documented – wind air pollution that afflicts large turbines “would barely pull the skin numbers of Londoners, particularly off a rice pudding”, he once wrote. children and older people. This will charge the most polluting The next Mayor will also have to lorries, coaches and buses £200 fight for a single London Waste Over the coming weeks I will outline a day to drive in London in order Authority so that the highest other major new environmental to encourage them to clean up. standards of waste collection and programmes, such as a ground- recycling are achieved across all breaking plan to retrofit all London’s The Zone, along with other measures London boroughs. This is important public buildings to make them we have taken to clean up taxis because whilst recycling levels in more energy efficient, and a new and buses, and the impact of the London have increased from 6% programme to increase cycling European air quality standards for to 21% since 2000, this is still the in London, that will be the most road vehicles, means that by 2012 lowest level of any region in the ambitious ever in the UK. around one million Londoners UK. In part this is because the will no longer live in areas with responsibility for waste has been These are all programmes that dangerous air pollution. fragmented between the 33 London chime very closely with the agenda borough authorities. We will see SERA has been promoting for many While Johnson’s campaign declare whether Boris Johnson is prepared years now. I look forward to working on their candidate’s website that to stand up to the Tory controlled with you all on implementing he supports the Low Emission boroughs and back this change. them over the coming years. But Zone, once let loose in a television to get there we have first to win interview, Johnson attacked the As the lead representative of the what is already shaping up as scheme, as “the most punitive, capital city, wider issues of energy one of the most bruising election the most draconian, fining regime policy also face the Mayor, such campaigns of recent years. in the whole of Europe.” as the debate over nuclear power. I have stated my unequivocal For anyone who cares about Brian Paddick has set himself against opposition to new nuclear power environmental policy and climate the instincts of most London LibDem stations, as a distraction from change there is a huge amount voters by unequivocally opposing the real need to invest in energy a stake in the Mayoral election. Zone on the grounds of cost. We efficiency and more cost-effective We have a couple of months to will spend £49 million setting up the decentralized and renewable make sure that every London scheme, and it will have operating energy. Boris Johnson is a self-styled voter realises that by the time costs of around £10 million a year. “evangelist” for nuclear power. they go to the polls on 1 May.

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 9. FEATURE

GREENING THE WHITEHOUSE? The 2008 US Presidential election In the absence of Presidential China moves as well. This leadership will be a significant moment leadership, state Governors like void makes a change at the top in the world’s effort to tackle Arnold Schwarzenegger have vital from a climate perspective. climate change, with three of brokered ambitious greenhouse the four leading candidates gas reduction and clean energy On the Democratic side, Senators poised to finally make climate goals, while filing a bevy of lawsuits and Hillary Clinton change a national priority, argue seeking to light a fire under a federal are duelling for the nomination. Jon Sohn and Brian Prusnek. government that has thwarted Obama’s campaign is a message aggressive action to combat climate of change, while Clinton cites her The 2008 US Presidential election change. The current state leadership leadership experience. There is little will be a pivotal moment in the includes 21 states, more than 50% of daylight between their positions global effort to avoid dangerous the US population, more than 50% on climate change and either climate change. As the pool of of US economic output and 37% of Democrat would be a breath of candidates thins and Super Tuesday US emissions. In addition to this fresh air in the White House. Both primary results are assessed in state leadership, major companies camps have plans centered on a February, there is hope for US have called for mandatory “cap-and-trade” system for carbon action on climate change. Over regulations on greenhouse gases. emissions, stronger efficiency the past few years Americans have standards and a significant increase awoken to the reality that unabated Leading companies, ranging from in green technology funding. They greenhouse gas emissions are Caterpillar to ConocoPhillips to both seek to reduce greenhouse placing our planet in peril. The General Electric, call for uniform gas emissions by 80 percent from devastating impacts of Hurricane federal policy in the form of cap 1990 levels by 2050, develop Katrina, Al Gore’s An Inconvenient and trade, coupled with renewed strategic energy funds upwards of Truth, the economic warnings of Sir US leadership internationally. As between $50-$150 billion and cut Nicholas Stern and findings of the a result, the Warner-Lieberman foreign oil imports significantly from nobel-winning Intergovernmental “cap-and- trade” bill may soon get 2030 projected levels. Both also Panel on Climate Change have a vote on the Senate Floor and by pledge to lead on UN Framework put the proverbial “writing on most accounts needs just a few Convention post-2012 negotiations. the wall.” In these examples lie additional votes for success. Yet the reasons and impetus for a the White House continues to resist On the Republican side, the two grassroots movement of increased mandatory caps domestically and leading candidates are Senator John public concern and local, state remains intransigent about binding McCain and former Massachusetts and regional government action. international commitments unless Governor Mitt Romney. Each has

10.NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice FEATURE a different perspective. Senator economy and national security. McCain was co-sponsor of the Whoever takes over in January McCain-Lieberman “cap-and-trade” 2009, will need to exert pressure bill seeking to reduce emissions 60% on Capitol Hill to finally get things below 1990 level in 2050. While done. There are many challenges that bill was ahead of its time and ahead, including debates over didn’t move in Congress, McCain coal and nuclear technology risks maintains his position despite the and competing interests over temptation in the primaries to move potential windfall profits and towards the conservative base losses from emerging legislation. that tends to be anti-environment. Economic slowdown may also McCain recently stated: “Suppose hinder efforts for Congress to act. that climate change is not real and all we do is adopt green technologies A motivated President can be the which our economy and our difference to overcome powerful technology is perfectly capable of. industry lobbies such as coal, that Then all we’ve done is given our are resistant to change. The next kids a cleaner world, But suppose President will need to focus the US they’re wrong and climate change public on accomplishing something is real and we’ve done nothing. big, just as John F. Kennedy’s call What kind of a planet are we going for a “moonshot” and Lyndon to pass on to the next generation Johnson’s Civil Rights Act push in of Americans?” During the Florida the 1960’s, so that the votes to push Primary, Mr. Romney called McCain’s a bill over the top are gained. The plans too liberal and “economically next President must also positively foolish.” He prefers an approach engage China and refocus America closer to the Bush Administration- on the export opportunities in this increased funding for research & powerful market with a view to development and voluntary action making commitments on both sides citing China competitiveness issues. of the Pacific. It appears that three As Governor, Mr. Romney pulled his of the four leading candidates at State out of the Northeast States this point are poised to finally make Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. climate change a national priority.

As we move towards November, it remains to be seen how prominent Jon Sohn and Brian Prusnek are climate change will be in campaign from Climate Change Capital’s rhetoric. It will likely be a theme Washington D.C. Office. within the broader context of the

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 11. OPINION

GOING GREEN DOWN UNDER

The greatest progress towards a stance on climate change was one of new post-Kyoto international deal key events at the Bali Summit and, in on climate change came with the large part, responsible for forcing the election of a Labor Government in US into entering further negotiations. Australia last Autumn argues SERA Alongside this international Co-Chair, Andrew Pakes. commitment, Kevin Rudd created two Cabinet positions on the Not only did the election see the environment, one on domestic decisive defeat of Liberal Prime environmental issues and the Minister John Howard – who also other on Climate Change and lost his own seat in Parliament Water. In the former post, high – it also saw the defeat of yet profile former musician turned another ally of George Bush on Labor politician, Peter Garrett, environmental issues. After a long was appointed to the Cabinet. period in Opposition, Kevin Rudd and the Australian Labor Party had Undoubtedly, Australia has a their own 1997 moment and won huge job to do in dealing with the the election with a large majority. carbon legacy of the last decade and the environmental intensity of One of the first acts of the new many of its own industries, such as Labour Prime Minister was make the timber industry. However, the public his commitment to climate election of the Labor Government change and signal his intention to was a significant moment in world work with the Kyoto signatories opinion on climate change. to draw up a new international agreement. This was in stark contrast to the sceptical view taken by the For more information on the previous Liberal Government and Australian Federal Government John Howard’s close relationship to and the Australian Labour Party George Bush on climate change. visit www.alp.org.au. Indeed the new Rudd Government

12.NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice OPINION

RIGHT WORDS?

The current narrative around wanting to tackle climate change The scale of change needed to the environment is essentially in a socially-just way appears to be tackle climate change is massive. a conservative one that Labour incontrovertible. We seem to have Why the modesty then? When we’re needs to re-tell if we’re to develop fallen into a competition to define thinking about reducing travel and a compelling vision that stands the best shade of green, when we fuel use, why aren’t we thinking out from the others at the next need a new colour altogether. about housing policy, so that those election argues SERA’s new in low paid jobs have the same National Coordinator Melanie Given that the main parties have opportunities to live near their work Smallman. such different perspectives on as those on higher incomes? We almost every subject under the know that children from the poorest When David Cameron lodged his sun, it seems surprising that when backgrounds have less choice when first planning application to put it comes to the biggest issue of it comes to schools, so when we’re a wind turbine on his millionaire’s them all, the only debate is how thinking about building schools mansion, the firing gun was far and how fast. As a progressive for the future and reducing their sounded in the political race to party, shouldn’t we be asking carbon footprints, why aren’t we become ‘the greenest in the land’. what’s wrong with Labour’s policy considering how we can increase on the environment if the other opportunities for these children? But while this should have been parties aren’t disagreeing more? a great chance for Labour to The problems facing our climate show off their track record on But while the sameness around give us the perfect licence to the environment and highlight the story we’re telling gives and make change. We should use this Cameron’s Chameleon colours, the explanation for why we don’t have momentum to bring about the polls are showing that the public is an edge on the environment, it isn’t progressive changes we believe split three ways when asked to judge the heart of the problem for those in - making sure that the poorest this ‘Mr Save the Universe’ game. of us on the left. In my view the real people here and abroad actually problem is that the narrative we’ve get the most benefits from these It’s frustrating but perhaps not that all adopted around climate change is changes. As well as distinguishing difficult to understand why people essentially a conservative one – that our flavour of environmental politics, can’t tell the difference between we aspire to keep some semblance getting this right could provide the three major parties on the of the status quo. Have we forgotten the compelling vision that Labour environment – as long as we’re that most of us got involved with needs to win the next election. competing to be the greenest, we’re politics in the first place because all telling the same story. In light we’re fairly dissatisfied with many of the new ‘caring conservatives’ aspects of our current society and even Labour’s qualification of actually want to make things better?

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 13. OPINION IT’S A WRAP

The festive period seems a long others, there is simply no consistency. way past with the onward march to To use a tabloid-esque phrase, spring, but while another season has recycling is a postcode lottery. come and gone it is worth taking The ramifications of this are serious stock of a development which is for red-greens. The Independent both heartening but also worrying conducted a survey in January to test for red-greens, SERA Executive people’s views on green issues. It member Jake Sumner explains. was clear that people wanted to act but found it difficult to know what More than ever before, this past steps to take. However, the issue festive season the media highlighted that everyone coalesced on was the massive amount of extra waste recycling – more than 99% said that it generated, some five sacks of extra was important. We are in a situation rubbish for the average family. In where recycling could and should figures, that’s 750,000 tonnes for the be a gateway into living a greener country as a whole. To take just one life but instead it can frustrate and area, greeting cards - a staggering lead people to stop altogether. billion were sent and received. This must change. While I, like many While the airtime has brought people, believe that government this more into the public mindset must take on the manufacturers - and therefore raising climate and retailers to stop some of the change concerns higher up problem at source it must also foster the societal consciousness - it a situation which allows more and has also brought into focus the more people to easily play their part. difficulties of taking action. The Waste Strategy published in 2007 is an important leap in the right I, like many red-greens, when the direction. However, the emphasis is time came to clear up after the on voluntary action, nodding to the indulgence of foods and gifts, looked “choice” agenda rather than quick, to recycle as much as possible, and decisive change. And choice does hopefully in so doing give a spur to not make sense in this context – how the more recalcitrant members of and whether a council provides these my family. I, again like many of us, services – making it harder to shift had taken part in the annual festive behaviour across the population. migration and was in a different part of the country. But, far from recycling There are some steps that being a simple task, as it is where I could make a difference. live, I was confronted with: “No, we can’t recycle that here. The Council Firstly, the use of common labelling doesn’t do that.” I tested this among for all recycling services needs a a number of friends and colleagues much greater push, encompassing and found a similar experience. more ‘sticks and carrots’. The “Recycle Now” standard is welcome The mantra of localism is an and makes some difference but important one enabling services to let’s move on from the voluntary reflect the needs of communities. adoption (which is re-emphasised However, I was struck that in this in the last government consultation) case it is doing exactly the opposite, and aim for uniformity. This gives presenting a bewildering degree clarity to everyone, making it easier of difference, which hampers not to know what to do, reinforces encourages recycling. From mixed public information campaigns, and collections in some areas to a lack – a clear benefit – should cut the of provision for certain materials in contamination of recycled material.

14.NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice OPINION

Secondly, the government should the voluntary introduction of publish (and regularly update) the facilities rather than insisting this best recycling offer available – ie all happens. Measures should be the services and materials that can taken to make this compulsory be recycled. Councils would then such as making it a planning have to publicise how they match condition for new supermarkets, up, enabling residents to see what retail areas, cinemas and the like. is out there and push for better services . This should help encourage And finally, there are some big councils to attain the best and lead generators of rubbish – the festive to a much greater uniformity. season I have outlined above, but Valentine’s Day (boxes, flowers Thirdly, there needs to be much better etc) sporting and music events recycling facilities, certainly in busy and festivals are others. Again as a public areas but equally be part and councillor I consistently pushed my parcel of our daily lives, whether we council to ensure that a requirement are walking down the street, going was recycling provision for the festivals shopping or taking a trip to the that were held in the borough. But cinema. In Camden, where I was once again we should be looking to move a councillor, we were the first council from the optional to the standard. to introduce paper recycling bins outside main transport spots. These These are some steps that we should now allow cans and plastic bottles take to create a much easier climate too. Some other councils followed for recycling. They should help suit, but not all. People should not encourage the behavioural shifts have to throw an easily recyclable that need to take place to make it object in a bin just because they are a norm to recycle, not a possible not at home or they happen to be action. Is it too much to ask that next in an area where the authorities do December, “I’ve done the washing not have this service. The current up” is said in the same breath as emphasis again is on encouraging “and I’ve just recycled everything”.

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 15. LOCAL NEWS LOCAL SERA REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

SERA WALES

In recognition of the growing Wales to play the fullest possible infl uence of devolved government, part in reducing CO2 emissions and Sera has established a new branch acknowledges that this cannot be a in Wales, which was launched at short-term project. There will need the Welsh Labour Party conference to be radical changes in people’s in Llandudno in February 2008. behaviour and their expectations which will require concerted action. The Welsh government has steadily SERA Wales will aim to work with the increased its environmental powers government to help achieve this. since its establishment in 1999 and in many areas it is leading the Labour in Wales has also established British debate. Sera Wales will a Climate Change Commission which work with Welsh Labour to develop is assisting with the development innovative policies for the future. of new policies and the creation of consensus on climate change. It One Wales: A Progressive will work in partnership with Wales’ Agenda for Wales, the Labour-led representative on the UK Sustainable government’s work programme, Development Commission – another contains a series of commitments on area of interest for SERA Wales. climate change, including the aim of achieving annual carbon reduction- If you would like more equivalent emissions reductions information about Sera Wales of 3% per year by 2011 in areas of please contact National devolved competence. It commits Coordinator, Melanie Smallman the government and the people of ([email protected]).

SERA SCOTLAND

SERA Scotland is working in a new organisations, from environmental SERA Scotland is also concerned context since the SNP became groups and the Labour and Co- about the UK Government’s the largest Party in the Scottish op movements in Scotland. decision allow new nuclear Parliament in May last year. This At out AGM we also heard from power stations to be built and has lead to a new SNP Scottish Almuth Ernsting on biofuels. While is encouraging its members to Government and a new leader of biofuels could play an important write in opposition to their MPs. the Scottish Labour Party. The role in reducing carbon emissions, group is still working to infl uence it is clear that there are issues policy environment policy. around biofuels’ impact on food If anyone would like more production and food prices. SERA information on SERA Scotland or SERA Scotland recently produced Scotland is concerned about how our Scottish Labour Conference the booklet “Waste Minimisation this industry can be developed in events, they should contact Paul and Recycling: 100% by 2016”. a sustainable way. Our intention is Lugton, [email protected] This booklet had a range of authors to organise a fringe event on this at 0131 467 0843 / 07984 168 403. and was supported by a number of the Scottish Labour Conference.

16.NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice LOCAL NEWS LOCAL

GREATER MANCHESTER SERA

The first Memorial a sufficiently high concentration of Lecture was held in Manchester the fissile U235. Yet more energy Town Hall on 4 October 2007. Dr is used to fabricate the fuel rods Helen Caldicott, paediatrician, at Springfields near Preston. The author and fervent anti-nuclear radioactive elements created at each campaigner gave the capacity stage of the fuel cycle were itemised audience an insight into the by Dr Caldicott, who explained how calamitous medical consequences she believes that these can cause she believes to be posed by the cancers in humans and other species. nuclear industry. In the week She also argued that nuclear power preceding the 50th anniversary of can’t even offer security of supply. the Windscale fire, when thousands World supplies of uranium are of gallons of milk contaminated limited and most UK nuclear power with radioactive iodine were poured stations are sited on the coast and down Cumbrian drains, it was a could be susceptible to sea level timely but chilling reminder to hear rises due to climate change [2][3]. about the long term implications and carcinogenic effects of radioactivity. Lydia Meryll (secretary of Greater Manchester SERA and a National Describing the legacy of the nuclear Executive member) introduced industry as “the most serious public the series of lectures on social health hazard ever” Dr Caldicott justice issues in the name of Mo predicted “epidemics of cancer for Mowlam. Elizabeth Somerville, ever more”. With its roots in the Women’s Officer at the University nuclear weapons programme, the of Manchester Students Union then industry had attempted to package gave a poetic and impassioned itself as “atoms for peace” and speech looking forward to a REFERENCES: promised to provide electricity “too world of equality, with a source [1] “Nuclear Power Is Not cheap to meter”. Despite enormous of power and a way of life where The Answer”, Helen Caldicott, research budgets over decades, she all can share the prosperity and The New Press, 2006. claimed that a safe method has not knowledge that we enjoy. [2] “Beyond Terror”, Chris Abbott, yet been agreed for disposal of the Paul Rogers & John Sloboda, radioactive waste materials so far Chairing the event, Councillor Rider (Random House), 2007 produced. These wastes will need Neil Swannick proudly stated that [3] “Criteria for a Sustainable to be safeguarded for millennia. Manchester City Council declared Energy Future”, Paul Allen in itself a Nuclear Free Zone in 1980, “Nuclear or Not?”, Dave Elliott Apart from the energy required to and has hosted the secretariat for (ed), Palgrave MacMillan, 2007. build a new generation of nuclear the Nuclear Free Local Authorities [4] “new nuclear monitor” number power stations, Dr Caldicott since its inception. It is as important 13, August 2007 see http:// explained that in her opinion, the now as it was over two decades ago www.nuclearpolicy.info/docs/ carbon emissions yielded before that Manchester does not falter in nuclearmonitor/NNM13.pdf nuclear fuel can be burnt in the its resolve to be at the forefront of and http://www.nuclearpolicy. reactors clearly shows that claims campaigns against nuclear weapons info/docs/consultations/ that nuclear power is carbon neutral and nuclear power [4]. A video NFLA_FutureOfNuclearPower. are false [1]. Fossil fuels are used of the lecture will be available pdf, October 2007 in the mining of uranium and its for download early in 2008. transportation, with prodigious amounts in its enrichment at Mike Franks, Chair Greater Capenhurst in the Wirral to provide Manchester SERA

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 17. LOCAL NEWS LOCAL SERA REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

SERA BRISTOL AND SOUTH WEST

SERA South West has had a busy people – we feel that the Council’s and successful few months of own consultation showed clearly that campaigning. A supermarket has the public wanted local disposal, been refused planning permission to minimising lorry trips trundling move into the successful Gloucester waste around the region, and not to Road Street of small shops and while be chained to a long-term private First Group delayed more frequent contract. Yet the proposal in front City Council–funded trains on the of the council is for a multi-year local branch railway, they are now contract and a single incinerator at expected in May. The City’s plans Avonmouth where the community to sell up to 400 acres of parks already has to host all the most have also been scaled down. dangerous and polluting industries We are also concerned that four in the region. Cost is being put councils in and around Bristol want forward as the rationale, but this is to start burning 2-300,000 tonnes of already estimated at £20 million. We household waste a year. This is in will be working hard to persuade spite of increasing recycling to 40% Labour colleagues away from this (which they previously said could decision and are keen for more local never be done), the Government’s members to help us with our work. support for anaerobic digestion for disposal. Most importantly, Will Fancy, Assistant Secretary, it contradicts the wishes of local Bristol and SW SERA.

SERA WEST MIDLANDS During March and April, SERA West Midlands will be campaigning on CO2 reduction by replacement of electricity generating capacity. We will be investigating who is responsible and who pays for local coal-fired power stations, examining the potential for Carbon Capture and Storage technologies, as well as looking at the potential for renewable sources to supply electricity locally.

Ed Conduit

18.NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice PARLIAMENTARY NEWS PARLIAMENTARY PARLIAMENTARY SERA

The Parliamentary Group of SERA roots support for wind farms Attendees also felt that MPs is currently meeting once and they meet energy needs, it would be useful for a month and seeks to support generate jobs and create profit for government to provide a Labour Parliamentarians working community investors. There are scheme to support entry on environmental issues. In however still a number of barriers: costs, particularly planning addition to the meetings for applications. Soft loans Labour MPs, there are monthly PLANNING ISSUES could be available for start seminars in which speakers discuss Angela reported that there is still up projects. It might even environmental issues of current considerable opposition to wind be possible to try and relevance. These seminars are a farms, often from groups like the get private investment good opportunity for exchange National Trust and CPRE who are involved through some of ideas about best practice and concerned over landscape change. sort of the public private discussion of linkages between As a recent SERA report on Wind partnership or private social justice and the environment. Farms showed, wind farm planning finance initiative scheme. applications are much more likely COMMUNITY ENERGY to be refused by Conservative There is also a need & WINDFARMS and Liberal controlled Councils for Government to So far this year, SERA has held one than by Labour controlled ones. refuse clearance for seminar, on Community Energy. However, new Climate Change power stations that do Angela Duignan of Energy4All Planning Policy Statement (PPS) not combine heat and Limited, gave an interesting and will prevent councils or councillors electricity production inspiring talk about her work from refusing applications purely on (CHP). It is wasteful for to promote community owned ‘visual’ unattractiveness grounds. power stations not to renewable energy supplies, usually Visual intrusion has been main capture the heat they wind farms. These wind farms are source of objections, so this new generate and use it owned co-operatively, with local guidance might make it easier productively and seed people buying shares, usually to gain planning approval. funding for heating and valued at £1 each, and starting from cooling networks could be a minimum of £250 investment LACK OF MONEY available on the same basis and a maximum of £20,000. Preparing and submitting a as that for wind farms. planning application costs approx Angela pointed out that the UK lags £50,000. This money is gambled FUTURE SEMINARS far behind Europe – we generate on the application being successful. Following the success of this first approx 2% of electricity from Despite local enthusiasm, this is seminar, other SERA Parliamentary renewables, Germany is generating a large amount of money to be Seminars are planned as follows. about 20%. One important reason raising from local people when for this difference is the high feed-in there is no guarantee that an tariffs in Germany, which encourages application will be successful. FEBRUARY 26TH: Climate Change Bill people to install micro-generators MARCH 3RD: Local Transport Bill and sell the spare electricity they SOLUTIONS MAY 20TH: Energy Bill generate. However, community The seminar did however JUNE 24TH: Planning Bill owned energy generation would be generate a number of ideas for more profitable and more productive reducing the impact of these JULY (DATE TBC): Marine Bill than micro-generation on houses. barriers. Forthcoming changes to planning regulations are going Wind power is most available in to give credence to community Please contact Amanda Root the North and West of the UK, benefits, which will help to ([email protected]) areas that often currently lack quantify the benefits that wind if you would like further investment and employment. farm projects bring to local information on these seminars Channelling wind power will help communities, making the case why and if you would like a copy of bring jobs and prosperity to these an application should be allowed the SERA Wind Farm Report. areas. There is also huge grass- clearer to planners and others.

NEW GROUND SPRING SUMMER 2008 Campaigning For Environmental Change & Social Justice 19. a. An overgr own tomato plant? b. A pedal-power ed double-decker? c. The kind of idea that will change the world?

SERA WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT THE GREAT IDEAS THAT WILL TRANSFORM OUR LIVES AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT IN A DISTINCTLY LABOUR WAY AS WE PLAN OUR NEXT MANIFESTO.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK IS BIG, RED AND GREEN BY JOINING THE DEBATE ONLINE AT WWW.SERA.ORG.UK

“ I think community owned energy schemes, like that being developed “I think feed in tariffs are big red and by the NDC in Shoreditch are big, red green, we only have to look at their “ I think Eco Towns are big, red and green - bringing communities success in Germany, creating local and green - a once in a generation together, achieving more together green jobs, reducing fuel poverty opportunity to be world leaders in than apart, building social capital and increasing renewables capacity creating fantastic new communities; through community assets and social (and reducing the need for at least providing much needed homes for enterprise while helping address the two fossil fuel power stations” families, and by using cutting edge challenges of local fuel poverty and HYWEL LLOYD, FORMER SERA CHAIR. technology, doing so in a way that global climate change.” demonstrates our commitment to tackling climate change. “ HAZEL BLEARS MP, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MP, HOUSING MINISTER

MY NAME:

STREET:

TOWN: PCODE:

TEL:

EMAIL:

I DO NOT WANT TO JOIN SERA’S MAILING LIST (PLEASE TICK)

SERA WILL USE YOUR PERSONAL DATA IN LINE WITH OUR DUTIES AS DATA CONTROLLERS UNDER THE DPA 98 AND ONLY FOR PURPOSES RELATING TO SERA ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING ADVISING MEMBERS OF CAMPAIGNS, POLICY MATERIAL AND EVENTS RUN BY SERA AND/OR ANY OF OUR AFFILIATED PARTIES OR ASSOCIATIONS, INCLUDING REGIONAL EVENTS.