PENSIONS AND HEALTHCARE TOP ISSUES AS GREEN MEP JEAN LAMBERT VISITS NORWICH NORTH

The latest high-profile visitor to the Norwich North by-election campaign is Jean Lambert MEP, who will be in the city tomorrow (Tuesday) in support of Rupert Read, the Green Party candidate in the election on July 23rd.

Photo/interview opportunity:
At 14:00, Jean and Rupert will be taking news of the campaign to members of the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind, by joining in their regular current affairs discussion group at NNAB Headquarters in Magpie Road, on the edge of the constituency. Members of the media are welcome to meet them there.

Before that, around 12:00, Jean will be canvassing with Green councillors and joining them for a working lunch. Members of the media are also welcome at these events, by arrangement.

Jean Lambert is the Green Party spokesperson on social affairs. She has represented the London area as a Green member of the European Parliament for ten years. She was named MEP 2005 for her work on justice and human rights.

Jean says:
“As voters reject traditional parties in ever-growing numbers, it is exciting to have an opportunity like this by-election, taking place in what is becoming a Green stronghold. I am pleased to be able to visit the Norwich area at this time to support Rupert Read’s and Norwich Green Party's impressive campaign.”

Jean and Rupert will have the issues of access to healthcare and pensions high on their agenda when they meet the discussion group. Jean has played a key role in the EU parliament in keeping national health services public and will be keen to hear from the group about their experiences of health services in the Norwich area.

With 24% of people in the Norwich North constituency aged 60 or over, the issue of pensions will also be highly relevant. The Green Party is calling for a basic state pension of £165 a week.

FURTHER INFORMATION / INTERVIEWS
Rupert Read: 01603 219294 / 07946 459066
John Francis (media officer) 07713 654784