26th April 2007

Philip Booth responds to letters in the SNJ claiming we are all 'green' now. Click 'Read More'.

Greens give the warmest welcome to moves by other parties to green themselves. Liz Peters says all parties are now 'green' (Letters 25/04/07), but there is 'green' and 'green'. Nationally we see Tories and Labour both supporting more road building, doubling airports, Trident, the war in Iraq and nuclear power and even blocking EU Environmental legislation. Scottish Friends of the Earth this month said Tories have the least firm commitment to environmental policies and that only Greens have policies to address the issues.

However the elections should not be about national politics. In terms of 'green' the District'sTory administration along with Council Officers are to be given enormous credit for the new Environment strategy which they consulted over in an exemplar fashion. The fact that they were willing to take on board Green party and others recommendations is hugely welcomed and democracy at it's best. However without Greens on the Council it would not be the policy it is now.

Furthermore the challenges are still ahead. We need more Greens to ensure the policies are delivered and continually improved: this is only the first small step to taking seriously the threat of climate change and dwindling oil supplies. Sadly there still seems to be a lack of urgency and understanding about what we face. Other parties need to realise this is not 'just' the environment we are talking about this is about our economic future, social justice and much more.

Cllr. Philip Booth, Stroud District Green party
Stroud District councillor for the Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward,