GNN ISSUE 23: 13-July-2006

A free monthly newsletter that provides green news and views from the Gloucestershire Green party so that together we can create a better world.

QUOTES OF THE MONTH
1. NUCLEAR: STRUCTURALLY DEFECTIVE REACTORS BUT NEW BUILD GETS GO-AHEAD
2. GLOS HEALTH: TRAIN TO WESTMINSTER, BIGGEST EVER MARCH, PRIVATISATION PLANS AND A POEM
3.  PEACE: MAYOR OF HIROSHIMA, BROWN BREAKS LAW, WTO AND MORE
4. CLIMATE CHANGE: STAVERTON ACTION, GREEN EU SUCCESS, BARRAGE AND MORE
5. GM: FRENCH GM PHARMACEUTICAL CROPS RISK AND SW MEPS FAILURE TO SIGN DECLARATION
6.  TWO INTERNET FREEDOM CAMPAIGNS
7. LOCAL FOOD: GLOUCESTER VEGGIE FAIR, STROUD MARKET AND FOOD MILES
8. 95% of 47,000 RESPONSES SAY NO TO CULLING BADGERS
9. CUTTING CRIME: PRISONS AND STONEHOUSES' TEEN REPELLANT
10. WASTE, RECYCLING, BISLEY COMPOST AND BATTERIES
11. LOCAL CHILD ABUSE CHARITY CLOSURE CONDEMNED
12. OTHER ISSUES: TESCO IN DURSLEY, GREEN TORIES, DHANDA AND DEBT, ASDA STRIKE AND 'DONATED' ORGANS
13. NEW ON 'BIG ISSUES'
14. WEBSITES THAT MIGHT INTEREST
15. UPCOMING KEY EVENTS: COFFEE HOUSE GATHERING, WALMART AND STAVERTON

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QUOTES OF THE MONTH

"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." George W Bush

"If you think that you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." Dalai Lama

“As human beings our greatness is not so much in remaking the world as in remaking ourselves.” Mahatma Ghandi

"The more we exploit nature, the more our options are reduced, until we have only one: to fight for survival." Morris Udall

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1. NUCLEAR: STRUCTURALLY DEFECTIVE REACTORS BUT NEW BUILD GETS GO-AHEAD

Three years after the Energy White Paper called for a genuine low carbon economy - with investment in renewables and demand reduction - what Greens long suspected is being realised: the DTI's energy review is a token effort, aimed at legitimising a pre-determined decision to commission a new generation of nuclear power stations. Tony Blair is determined to push this country down the nuclear route, based on two arguments: guaranteeing affordable energy supply, and reducing carbon emissions. But an overwhelming number of studies, from a host of organisations - the Green Party's own Alternative Energy Report, the Sustainable Development Commission, the New Economics Foundation and more -  have found nuclear the inferior choice, even within these narrow criteria. Several Green party letters on the Energy Review will be posted shortly.

Nuclear power stations in the UK are structurally defective and their continued operation is increasing the risk of a radioactive accident, according to documents written by the Government’s own nuclear inspectors:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1348&Itemid=115

Local objections to nuclear power plants could be over-ridden under planning changes proposed by the government's energy review:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1353&Itemid=115

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2. GLOS HEALTH: TRAIN TO WESTMINSTER, BIGGEST EVER MARCH, PRIVATISATION PLANS AND A POEM

Book now for Tuesday's train to Westminster. The Forest of Dean have scheduled a special train to Parliament to present a petition to Patricia Hewitt to stop the closure of two Hospitals in the Forest. The Stroud campaign have hired a coach (72 seats) on that train to discuss action with Gloucestershire's 5 MP's including a member of the all Party Group on Maternity and a Royal College of Midwives representative. Part of the Houses debate that day is on Health. The fare is £20 leaving Stroud at 10am back from Paddington at 6pm - get your tickets from the SNJ or John Marjoram on 01453 750962. Please tell everyone you know and if you can't go but would like to sponsor someone please contact John.

Government's latest plans to privatise £68 billion of Primary Care Trusts:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1340&Itemid=116

Biggest march in Stroud ever - see photos:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1291&Itemid=115

Poem sent in response to Green letter:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1356&Itemid=116

Need to look beyond rebuilding NHS to causes of ill health:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1357&Itemid=116

Greens oppose private sector involvement in NHS -  It is estimated companies will make £3.3 billion profit from the private finance initiative (PFI) alone:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1299&Itemid=116

Greens welcome BMA criticisms of rampant privatisation:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1329&Itemid=115

The Sustainable Communities Bill talk in Stroud:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1293&Itemid=116
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1294&Itemid=115

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3.  PEACE: MAYOR OF HIROSHIMA, BROWN BREAKS LAW, WTO AND MORE

Mayor of Stroud meets Mayor of Hiroshima:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1344&Itemid=115
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1311&Itemid=115

Brown admits he will break the law and replace Trident:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1327&Itemid=115

Greens argue that failure to reach agreement on trade talks at the WTO in Geneva could benefit some of the poorest nations in the world:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1341&Itemid=115

Justice not charity for Africa:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1303&Itemid=116

Comment on Blair's panel on Africa:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1335&Itemid=115

Call for a public inquiry into the 7/7 terrorist attacks on London:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1358&Itemid=116

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4. CLIMATE CHANGE: STAVERTON ACTION, GREEN EU SUCCESS, BARRAGE AND MORE

On Saturday 15th July at 12.00 noon Greens will be supporting a peaceful protest outside Staverton airport to object to any expansion there.

Airlines have been left reeling after Green success in the European Parliament called for a raft of measures to tackle their growing contribution to climate change:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1349&Itemid=115

Laurence Robertson MP writes a whole column on the future of Staverton airport without mentioning climate change. How can that be possible in this day-and-age and from a party that claims to be 'green'?
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1304&Itemid=116

Greens support 'Rethink!' - a campaign that calls on the Government to rethink its aviation policy:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1342&Itemid=115

Welcome Gloucestershire debate re barrage and tidal energy:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1314&Itemid=115

Marine turbine tested at Kemble:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1339&Itemid=116

Cotswold entrepreneur's rubber roads are not answer to congestion:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1300&Itemid=116

Greens welcome a US Bill that requires electronic devices be labeled to tell consumers how much energy is used when the device is in standby mode:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1312&Itemid=115

Microgeneration: disappointment and hope:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1359&Itemid=115

Need more than just Energy Performance Certificates:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1298&Itemid=115

'Make the SWitch to climate friendly living':
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1315&Itemid=115

South Glos look at renewable energy powered street lighting:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1363&Itemid=2

Mandatory pipe insulation welcomed:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1362&Itemid=2

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5.  GM: FRENCH GM PHARMACEUTICAL CROPS RISK AND SW MEPS FAILURE TO SIGN DECLARATION

Greens condemn the French Government for licensing two sites for GM crops to produce pharmaceuticals - and write to supermarkets expressing concern:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1322&Itemid=115

No South West MEP has signed up to the Written Declaration on GM food, seeds and fodder whose main call is for the right of EU countries and regions to make their own decisions concerning the import and planting of GMOs:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1287&Itemid=115

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6.  TWO INTERNET FREEDOM CAMPAIGNS

Internet censorship and a call for agencies using government money to gather data to make their data publicly available:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1288&Itemid=115

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7. LOCAL FOOD: GLOUCESTER VEGGIE FAIR, STROUD MARKET AND FOOD MILES

The first Gloucestershire Veggie Fair - largest ever Green event in Gloucester:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1345&Itemid=115

Great news - Stroud's Saturday market will be held weekly from August:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1301&Itemid=115

Support for Food Miles campaign:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1336&Itemid=115

There is a stark choice: more superstores...or more local food, shops and jobs linking people with the places and landscapes where they live:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1337&Itemid=115

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8. 95% of 47,000 RESPONSES SAY NO TO CULLING BADGERS

Public overwhelmingly say no to cull:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1361&Itemid=2

See graph that highlights area that needs more investigation:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1295&Itemid=115

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9. CUTTING CRIME: PRISONS AND STONEHOUSES' TEEN REPELLANT

More prisons are not the answer:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1326&Itemid=116

Greens oppose "Mosquito teen repellant" device to drive off teenagers from streets in Stonehouse:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1319&Itemid=115

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10. WASTE, RECYCLING, BISLEY COMPOST AND BATTERIES

40 million plastic water bottles  (eg Pepsi)  are thrown away each DAY in the USA.  Each bottle contains enough oil to keep a 100-watt bulb burning for 11 hours  (source; container recycling institute).

Recycling targets are inadequate:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1297&Itemid=115

The Bisley Community Composting scheme:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1289&Itemid=115

EU Waste policies - email action:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1290&Itemid=115

Dealing with sewage - talk re project to clean up brook:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1292&Itemid=115

Greens welcome EU decision that will ensure schemes for the collection of used batteries:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1352&Itemid=115

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11. LOCAL CHILD ABUSE CHARITY CLOSURE CONDEMNED

http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1316&Itemid=115

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12. OTHER ISSUES: TESCO IN DURSLEY, GREEN TORIES, DHANDA AND DEBT, ASDA STRIKE AND 'DONATED' ORGANS

Tesco veto plans for local development:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1309&Itemid=115

Green delight at Tory stance on Green issues - but...
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1328&Itemid=116

Dhanda shouldn't be surprised by door-to-door interest on cash:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1338&Itemid=116

Support for Asda strike that has since been called off:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1325&Itemid=116

Call for China to halt the use of ‘donated’ organs from executed prisoners:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1296&Itemid=115

Support for Labour Councillor under investigation by the Standards Board:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1318&Itemid=115

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13. NEW ON 'BIG ISSUES'

Links to articles looking at the following and more have been added:
- the excellent 'Global responses to Global Threats' report
- If low-energy lighting were installed all around the world, global energy costs could be cut by nearly a tenth
- Britains' nuclear weapons fix
- Peak wheat production
- Meacher on inadequate uranium supplies and peak oil
- the media rewriting colonial history
- G8 spreading nuclear power
- Chomsky on Iran
- World's biggest food companies not taking health seriously
- Reducing speed to reduce CO2
- Carbon impact of roads programme unknown
- Did the Newbury Bypass work?
- 'Faithful Cities' report on regenerating our cities

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14. WEBSITES THAT MIGHT INTEREST

Online documentary from ABC Australia re Peak Oil:
http://abc.net.au/4corners/special_eds/20060710/default_full.htm

Councils good practice with waste:
http://www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?wax=body_rl_0_1&pageId=678952

Upcoming movie that looks at who killed the electric car: see under suspects:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/

Malcolm Kendall-Smith, the Royal Air Force officer jailed for refusing to go to Iraq has been released from prison. He is still under curfew and electronically tagged. He is not permitted to talk to the media until October but has recorded a short video message:
http://www.mfaw.org.uk/mkspage.html

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15. UPCOMING KEY EVENTS: COFFEE HOUSE GATHERING, WALMART AND STAVERTON

Saturday 15th July: 12.00 noon peaceful demonstration at Staverton - see item 4 above.

Saturday 15th July: "Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price" film, drinks, music and discussion starting at 6.00pm at The Space - £5 (£4 concessions) in aid of Green party - details: Simon 01452 770846

Friday 28th July: Animal Rights? What rights do animals have? Talk and discussion - Open to anyone - 7.30 and 9.30pm at Star Anise Arts Cafe at the Painswick Inn, Gloucester Street, Stroud. Click 'Read more' to find out about previous talks and idea behind these Coffee House Discussions.

Sunday 6th August: Garden party 2-4 in Stroud - music, scones and cake - £2.50 - details from John Marjoram on 01453 751189

Read more about the previous coffee house discussions at:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=606&Itemid=96

Details of other Gloucestershire Green party meetings can be got from John Marjoram on 01453 751189

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GNN has grown out of a Green news service first established on 13th November 2001. To contribute to this news service (or to subscribe or unsubscribe) - contact the editor Philip Booth on  press@glosgreenparty.org.uk