Caroline Lucas: First UK Green MP

Well it's been an exciting week for those of a political persuasion and whatever your views on the hung parliament, it's certainly got people talking - about reform, voting fairness and the will of the people. But in amongst the uncertainty and relative chaos that we're currently experiencing, one woman has has made history by becoming the very first Green MP elected in the UK.

 

Picture Credit: Pip Tindall

In the early hours of May 7th, Caroline Lucas was elected as the MP for Brighton Pavilion and as a result has finally aligned the UK with much of Europe by ensuring green representation in parliament. While the Greens already have representatives in Europe, local councils and MLAs, this is the first time that a member of the Green Party has been elected to Westminster (hardly surprising given the relative unfairness that the First Past the Post system affords the smaller parties). Overturning a 5000 strong Labour majority to secure a seat by 1300 votes, Lucas has proved that even in the face of funding limitations, the right kind of campaigning and leadership can see results. She will  in many ways be somewhat of a lone voice, lacking the backing of other party MPs, however if her reputation in Europe is anything to go by, she will be a loud and industrious voice. And if we are stuck with a minority Tory government, may very well be the likes of Caroline who find themselves with a lot more clout that in times past.

I wish Caroline Lucas the best of luck and can't wait to see what Brighton can achieve in the coming years. From a personal point of view this gives me great hope for the future of Green Politics, which should hopefully start receiving the attention it deserves (perhaps a little more screen time from the likes of the BBC, or is bear baiting with the BNP just that little more entertaining?). No longer the pet project of the 'crazies and the hippies' to quote an internet friend of mine, Greens can now be seen as serious and dedicated environmentalists, with the ideas and energy to push us into a better, more sustainable future. And of course it's always great to see any female addition to British politics, which is still very much a boys club.

http://www.takebackparliament.com/

Vote Green 2010

It was never really my intention to make this blog political; I have my political beliefs and am passionate about them, but was happy enough to leave them out of this arena. However, that was before I became aware of the fact that the Tories have been advertising their manifesto on this blog via Google  (just how exactly do they fulfill the 'eco and green content' I have specified for my ads?). I would therefore like to state now that this is something I find objectionable and am dealing with, and as a result Mr Cameron, you oh so smarmy git, the gloves are off:

I grew up in Thatcher's Britain, the north east of England to be exact, and as a result witnessed first hand the devastation that a self interested and greedy government can do to local communities, families and industry. On moving to Northern Ireland a decade ago, I was made painfully aware of the same levels of political self interest, personal agenda and the down right hypocrisy (I'm looking at you Robinsons) that exist here too. The recent expenses scandal last year seems to have opened up more than a few eyes as to what it means to an MP or MLA. Is it really about doing what's best for your country and community, or is it more about what you can milk from the system and the best ways for you and your mates to make a quick buck?

While it would be wrong to tarnish all MPs with the same brush, there is no reason why we can't lay some of the blame at the foot of the parties over this. A certain standard can surely be met if a party is willing to lead by example and prove that their reasons for wanting to be in power are not just to serve themselves or a particular section of society. That brings me nicely to the Green Party, who are the only political party that does not take donations from business, meaning no conflict of interest when it comes to making big decisions on behalf of Northern Ireland, and by that I mean all of NI, not just those who kick with the same foot as you. I'm not saying they are perfect, and I can't speak for the motives of individual members or representatives, but at least they are making an effort as a party, to have their financial balls out for all to see.

And while you may be thinking it's easy to do when you don't believe in progress (a myth if ever there was one), you'd be more than surprised at what the party stands for. While a 'least harm' approach is one adopted by the Greens, investment in green business is one recognized as not only healthy, but essential in helping promote a cleaner future, creating jobs and repairing our damaged economy. £2 billion was spent last year in NI sourcing oversees energy. The Green Party plans to minimize this 'outsourcing' by developing local energy resources that will not only make us more self sufficient, but will create jobs and industry in the process.

I could bang on, but I'd rather leave you with a few links, including the Northern Ireland Green Party Election Broadcast:



Facebook Group: Adam McGibbon for South Belfast
http://www.greenparty.org.uk/
http://www.greenpartyni.org/
http://www.greenparty.ie/