Cheshire East Green Party

How to support Afghan women

rachaelelizabeth — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 10:00:14 +0000

There are several ways to help women and girls in Afghanistan. One option is to donate to the Voices of Resilience Crowdfunder: https://gofund.me/52f821d4 An Audiobook Initiative for Afghan Women, which empowers these brave girls by creating audiobooks that advocate for their rights.

Sara, who spoke at a recent Afghan webinar, has reached out to Green Party Women about the urgent need for someone to volunteer and provide mental health consultation training for Afghan women, as the harsh Taliban restrictions have severely affected their mental well-being. Sara emphasises the urgency of the situation, stating,

“The situation is harsh; we need to take action earlier than later.”

If you have the relevant skills or know someone who does, please contact The Green Party Women Committee: https://women.greenparty.org.uk/.

A local group will be holding a silent vigil for Afghan Women at the Market House, Taunton at 4pm on 7th December. All welcome.

The post How to support Afghan women appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

We in Macclesfield can and should act on the Climate Emergency

nickspeakman — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:15:13 +0000

About 40 years ago, there was huge concern about the hole in the ozone layer and its impact on earth. Caused by use of CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), any reduction in the ozone layer threatened increased levels of UV (ultraviolet) radiation – damaging our health, marine life, plants and crops.

Every country signed the Montreal Protocol, banned the manufacture and use of CFCs and, as a result, the hole is much reduced in size.

In 2015, the UK was one of 195 countries signing the Paris Agreement at COP21 committing us to limiting global warming to 1.5°C by ensuring that greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2025 and decline 43% by 2030.

Cheshire East Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. But they, we and leaders around the world have not acted with equal urgency to deliver. For example, why does the Council not definitively protect Danes Moss, right now? This year is expected to be the hottest on record, again. Unless we act now, our lives, here, in Macclesfield, will change. Famine, floods, unrest are already becoming more frequent in neighbouring countries and will reach us.

So, what is stopping you, personally, from taking action today?

Do you believe that climate change is real and caused by human action, given the evidence from 99% of climate scientists? Is it too terrifying to think that our children and grandchildren may die on a planet which can no longer sustain life? Is the cost of change “too high”, the problem “too difficult”?

The good news is that we caused the climate emergency and we can address it. The sooner we act, the lower the cost.

Amanda Iremonger

The post We in Macclesfield can and should act on the Climate Emergency appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

We need a stronger Green Party, not just more leftist ideas.

rachaelelizabeth — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 10:25:36 +0000

Walter Houston, a member of the Cheshire East Green Party, has submitted a response to the Guardian in reaction to an article authored by Andy Beckett, which was published in today’s print edition. The article addresses the potential establishment of a new left-wing political party.

What is the point of setting up yet another party of the left when one already exists demanding all that is wanted by the progressives quoted by Andy Beckett (Journal, 15 Nov.) and more, which gained over 1.8 million votes in the general election and already has four MPs? What prevents them from simply moving to the Green Party (or rather parties, depending on where they live)? Why should they be in rivalry with the Greens, as Beckett suggests? A strengthened Green Party would be perfectly placed to challenge Labour from the left and fight at once for social justice and climate action.

Walter Houston

The post We need a stronger Green Party, not just more leftist ideas. appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

Plastic free Knutsford interview article

rachaelelizabeth — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:24:52 +0000

Rachael Marlow of Cheshire East Green Party conducted an interview with committee member of Knutsford to discuss the concept of living without plastic. This conversation aimed to explore the challenges and benefits of adopting a plastic-free lifestyle in Knutsford, highlighting local initiatives and personal experiences that promote sustainability. The interview provided valuable insights into how residents can reduce their plastic consumption and contribute to a healthier environment.

Interview article:

Q1: Hi Carol, it’s great to be in touch with you today! I truly value the time you’re spending to talk with me. I’ve learned that you’ve been working hard to establish pop-up stalls aimed at encouraging a lifestyle that avoids purchasing and using plastic. I’m curious to know who you’ve partnered with for this initiative and which places you’ve chosen to focus on for your campaign promoting a plastic-free life?

A1: Hi Rachael, I’m glad you’re interested in this topic. Recently, Knutsford Town Council granted us a table at the Picnic in the Park event to encourage the people of Knutsford to be part of a plastic free community, and they’re also providing us with a pop-up shop every Friday at the Knutsford indoor market, it was our third one this week. I have a small team of friends who help run the stall, but we could really use more volunteers, even if it’s just for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Knutsford is aiming to become a Plastic Free Community, and I’ve shared information with all the local schools, asking them how they’re contributing to this cause. Local shops in Knutsford are also on board with the Plastic Free initiative and are eager to assist. I have a phone call scheduled soon with Williams Hart from PFC’s to brainstorm some ideas.

Q2: During a recent meeting of the Cheshire East Green Party committee, I discovered that you have started a campaign aimed at getting rid of single-use plastic cups in Knutsford. I would love to hear more about this initiative and what steps you are taking to make it happen please?

A2: It’s unfortunate that only a tiny fraction of single-use cups are recyclable due to the plastic lining that prevents leaks. I’ve visited several independent coffee shops in Knutsford, and while they understand the issue, they said that offering a small discount for bringing your own cup hasn’t been effective. One member of the House of Lords I contacted believes that a charge should be implemented instead. I recently visited Monmouth Coffee in Bermondsey, where they charge for a reusable cup if you want a takeaway drink, but you can also bring your own or use their stylish mugs and I think this is great! Matthews Roberts from Knutsford Town Council is backing our efforts and has reached out to a local landowning family for financial support, but we haven’t received a response yet. I’ve heard that some chains have reusable cups for sale, and I’m confident that coffee shops in Knutsford could be persuaded to join this initiative with some financial backing.

Q3: Your commitment to promoting a plastic-free lifestyle is truly commendable, and it sparks curiosity about the origins of your passion for this cause. Could you share more about your journey and what inspired you to take action?

A3: During lockdown, I delved into several impactful books like “Turning the Tide on Plastic” and “The Uninhabitable Earth,” followed by “How to Save the World for Free,” which really opened my eyes to the plastic crisis. I also frequently visited the Plastic Free stall at Knutsford Market, where I learned more about sustainable living and connected with others who share the same values.

Q4: What can the local people and local businesses do to support a plastic-free life? What can I do?

To foster a plastic-free environment, local businesses can take significant steps by eliminating plastic products from their inventory and opting for sustainable alternatives. For instance, shops should consider sourcing from manufacturers that prioritise eco-friendly materials, and customers can play their part by consciously choosing to support these businesses by avoiding buying plastic items altogether.

In Knutsford and across Cheshire East, residents can contribute to a plastic-free lifestyle by making simple yet impactful changes in their daily habits. For example, instead of purchasing multiple plastic bottles of dish soap, why not refill a reusable jar? Additionally, the community should steer clear of single-use plastic cups, which are not only wasteful but also require substantial resources to produce and transport. It’s perplexing why people continue to buy these items when they have such a negative impact on the environment. By leading by example and engaging in thoughtful discussions, we can raise awareness and inspire others to take small but meaningful actions toward sustainability. Every individual effort counts, and together, we can create a significant change.

I really appreciate your responses, Carol. They are honest and meaningful, and I genuinely wish you all the best in your endeavours. The Cheshire East Green Party is committed to doing everything we can to support you.

I appreciate your support, Rachael. Wishing you all the best, Carol Goodwin.

The post Plastic free Knutsford interview article appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

Cheshire East Green Party opposes fascism and respects armistice day

rachaelelizabeth — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 17:02:19 +0000

Cheshire East Green Party strongly opposes fascism, especially on Armistice Day, a day meant for remembrance and respect. Last year, we witnessed troubling events in Central London when a large group of football fans and far-right activists gathered, claiming they were there to “protect” the Cenotaph from a pro-Palestine protest. Unfortunately, this situation quickly escalated into violence, resulting in over 100 arrests as the Metropolitan Police labelled these groups as “intent on confrontation.” In the days leading up to Armistice Day, the organisation www.hopenothate.org.uk alerted the police about alarming messages circulating in hooligan WhatsApp groups, including at least three deepfake videos on TikTok that falsely depicted Mayor Sadiq Khan. These videos suggested that he was downplaying the significance of Armistice Day and promoting pro-Palestine demonstrations instead. One particularly outrageous video claimed that Remembrance Sunday should be postponed for a massive pro-Palestine rally. These misleading videos were shared widely among far-right channels, especially within a key football hooligan WhatsApp group that played a significant role in rallying supporters for the protest at the Cenotaph. Disturbingly, some individuals reacted to these deepfake videos with violent threats against Sadiq Khan and called for harm against all Muslims, with some of these same people having shared terrorist content just days earlier.

As Cheshire East Greens, we fully support our Muslim citizens, those looking for safety in the UK, and all communities that have faced attacks or threats due to racist violence. We applaud the efforts of those in the affected areas who have come together peacefully to stand against this hatred. Additionally, we back the community leaders and individuals who are striving to unite people and counteract the efforts that aim to create divisions among us.

The post Cheshire East Green Party opposes fascism and respects armistice day appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

We can – and should – bring about change locally

nickspeakman — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 13:47:17 +0000

We, in the Green Party, encourage decentralisation. You and I know what is needed here in Macclesfield, politicians and managers in London, much less so. This isn’t about power, but about accountability and delivery – we can help our friends, neighbours and community and bring about change ourselves, here and now.

With this in mind, I recently joined a discussion about how best to support those recovering, and wanting to recover, from drug and alcohol addiction in Cheshire East. In just the past 12 months I have known three people in our area who have died as a result of addiction. Perhaps the most heartbreaking is where 2 young children have been left fatherless by another needless death. In my voluntary work in this area I hear of violence leading to time in police custody, to injuries costing the NHS or employers, narrow scrapes from drivers losing their licences… so many stories and so much more help needed.

Our discussion looked at the complex web of funding and service provision – NHS, Council, voluntary sector – and envisaged solutions involving a one-stop core for help and comfort. I hope it will lead to improved communication, and better service provision for those in need in time to come, but at the very least we have increased our understanding of what is available, and our commitment to helping to create and provide solutions.

Would that everything the Council does ran as smoothly. You will see I have deliberately avoided wading into any criticism – I look for creative solutions, and to provide assistance. If you do too, of if you’d like to talk about this or anything Green (or green), come and chat at Flour Water Salt (SK10 1EB) on Saturday (12th October) between 9 and 11. Or get in touch anytime: welcome@cheshireeast.greenparty.org.uk

If you or anyone you know might benefit from help regarding alcohol or substance use, there are confidential support organisations available, including Change Grow Live: 01625 464995 or Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/.

The post We can – and should – bring about change locally appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

Cheshire East Green Party offers thanks to key member in the wake of resignation over Conference motion relating to HS2

rachaelelizabeth — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:06:23 +0000

Cheshire East Green Party express their thanks to Nigel Hennerley (Green Party General Election Candidate for Tatton 2017, 2019 and 2024 and parish councillor for High Legh) as he resigns from the Green Party of England and Wales.

Nigel’s resignation is prompted by a motion passed with a small majority at the Green Party’s Autumn conference which changes the Party’s previous position on HS2. Cheshire East Green Party believe that the conference motion was based on two fundamentally false assertions: that high speed rail would reduce CO2 emissions by diverting traffic from roads and from the air; and that the massive destruction of habitat and biodiversity can be rectified by creating “new” habitat and biodiversity elsewhere. Meanwhile, the much better rail capacity-building solutions which were also supported in the same motion have been prevented for a decade due to all Government investment money being tied up in HS2.

The wording of the motion states that any support for HS2 has to be contingent on the use of up-to-date biodiversity metrics (not those presently used by HS2); on limiting biodiversity impact and other criteria. Cheshire East Green Party believe that effectively, this clause would make the implementation of HS2 in anything like its present form impossible, but also makes the Green Party’s published position on HS2 less clear cut than it was.

Nigel says:

“It is with great sadness that this motion was carried at conference by a small dedicated team of Greens 4 HS2 group that I do not believe reflects the membership more generally.

As a local representative of various parishes (Rudheath, Mere and High Legh) at parliament select committee hearings I gave evidence on various aspects against the design of HS2.

It is clear to anybody looking at what was proposed that it would be greatly damaging for the area of North Cheshire I represent, with no benefits. Much better solutions of capacity can be achieved by improving existing infrastructure.

However I feel the newly adopted party policy makes my position in the Green Party impossible, and I will continue to oppose any plans to reinstate HS2 design.”

Cheshire East Green Party Chair, Rich McCarthy said:

“Nigel is a man of strong principles who has fought both truthfully and effectively for several communities against HS2 and before that against Fracking. He has also been a much valued and active member of our local party for the last 10 years. We are extremely sad that Nigel has taken this decision, but the local party will continue to campaign locally for alternative solutions to HS2 that would deliver less destructive, and financially viable improvements in rail and sustainable transport links in the North West and beyond.”

“We also wish to publicly express our sympathy with the feeling of betrayal experienced by those activists who put their lives on hold for many years, suffering assault, arrest and imprisonment. We offer them all our sincerest apologies, and ask them to accept our gratitude, admiration and solidarity.”

Cheshire East Green party are committed to uphold the principles of the Green Party, in relation to the Climate Emergency, the Biodiversity Emergency, the Environment in general and Social Justice. We believe that HS2 as it was proposed at the Autumn Conference, is an anathema to all of those principles.

For more information contact:

Rich McCarthy – welcome@cheshireeast.greenparty.org.uk

Further information for journalists:

nrhennerley@gmail.com

07802 541936

The post Cheshire East Green Party offers thanks to key member in the wake of resignation over Conference motion relating to HS2 appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

Amanda Iremonger, the Co-Secretary of Cheshire East’s Green Party, discusses the issue of child poverty

rachaelelizabeth — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 17:42:49 +0000

Macclesfield has one of the lowest child poverty levels in the North West. Is that something to celebrate? I don’t think so. We still have over 17%, that’s over 3,000 children living in poverty in our area.

I, and the Green Party, believe that we should work towards a more fair, more equal society, and this starts with our young people.

If you live in poverty as a child, this can, and often will, have a life-long impact: your exam results are likely to be poorer than your classmates; on average your health will be worse; and your employment prospects will be lower. And so the cycle of deprivation continues, from one generation to the next. The impact is greatest on young white males – those from households in poverty are at least 3 times less likely than average to go to university.

Across the UK, we have over 4 million children living in poverty, so it was disappointing that the new government rejected the opportunity to alleviate any of this suffering when they had the chance by refusing to lift the 2-child benefit cap which can cost families over £3,000. The cost of this was estimated at £3.4bn – around 3% of the benefits budget (which could have been recouped by equalising the capital gains tax rate with income tax rates). Disappointingly, our new MP, who at the hustings said he agreed with lifting this cap, voted with his party.

Removing the 2-child benefit cap is not enough, but it would be a start. We in the Green Party want to end child poverty and call on the government to think again. If you’d like to find out more about us and our policies, or just want to know where I sourced the data for this article, then do get in touch: welcome@cheshireeast.greenparty.org.uk

The post Amanda Iremonger, the Co-Secretary of Cheshire East’s Green Party, discusses the issue of child poverty appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

Melanie English responds to Sam Corcaron’s resignation

rachaelelizabeth — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 09:37:53 +0000

The post Melanie English responds to Sam Corcaron’s resignation appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.

VoteClimate endorses Green Party climate policies

rachaelelizabeth — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:12:07 +0000

VoteClimate conducted an extensive analysis of the climate impacts of various party manifestos for the upcoming general election. The Green Party emerged as the clear leader, with the potential to save 3,700 MtCO2e (metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent) by 2050, followed by the Liberal Democrats, Labour, and Conservatives with 1,100, 650, and 18 MtCO2e saved respectively. It is also not a surprise that the Green Party came top by a country-mile and would give the UK a decent chance of achieving its Net Zero target, provided its policies are strengthened still further.

In their assessment of Party Manifestos – Climate Comparison, they have evaluated the impact of parties’ manifestos on climate change. The Green party has been rated as very good, followed by the Lib Dems as good, Labour as underwhelming, and others as hopeless.

Sources: VoteClimate: Party Manifestos – Climate Comparison VoteClimate: Party Manifestos vs Net Zero

VoteClimate encourages voters to Vote Green in Cheshire East!

For more information on each of the four candidate’s endorsements click the link below:

VoteClimate: Congleton Constituency 2024

VoteClimate: Crewe and Nantwich Constituency 2024

VoteClimate: Tatton Constituency 2024

VoteClimate: Macclesfield Constituency 2024

The post VoteClimate endorses Green Party climate policies appeared first on Cheshire East Green Party.