After 12 years in power, Labour has lost its way. The scrapping of the 10p
tax band, the poor deal for pensioners and PFI, are all examples of how
Labour's traditional values of fairness, equality and social justice have
been discarded.
In contrast, the Greens believe that each and every one of us, as citizens
of this country, should enjoy equal rights and fair treatment, and where
they are disadvantaged they should have access to the help they need to help
themselves.
Even before the "credit crunch" struck, roughly 15% of 16-25-year-olds were
out of work. In response Greens prioritised the creation of 1 million jobs
(in renewable energy, energy efficiency, local food, and in public
services). We want long-term investment to create a healthier Britain; for
example an NHS free at the point of use (free GP visits, prescriptions and
dentistry). Older people deserve to be treated with fairness and respect so
we support a £165 a week state pension.
We reject Labour plans to close post offices and to privatise the Royal
Mail.
One issue that I've pushed hard on in Norwich North is opposing the plans
for 'academy schools.' It's simply introducing privatised schools by
stealth. Education should be about giving _all_ our children the best
chance.
Lastly we believe Labour has failed abysmally on housing. The Greens believe
we need a programme of social housing (both buying up and converting homes,
especially empty stock, as well as some new Council-house build).
We support a "Right to Rent" scheme whereby local authorities would purchase
homes threatened by repossession and rent these back to occupiers. We want
more support for housing co-ops and greater protection for tenants.
We must ask ourselves why so little has been done despite Labour being in
power for 12 years? And, whether a vote for the Tories on the 23rd of July
will lead to a better future for people in Norfolk?!
It's little wonder that so many people here, especially disillusioned
ex-Labour voters, are switching to the Greens.
[ A different version of this has just been published on politics.co.uk ]
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