Climate Camp has arrived in Blackheath, the site of several revolts and upheavals in English history. The Guardian reports the following reaction from three local Lib Dem councillors:
"We are appalled at the disturbance caused to local residents and amenities.
We hope that both the Protesters and Police alike act with respect for the local community."
We hope that both the Protesters and Police alike act with respect for the local community."
Aren't the LibDems meant to be green? asks the Guardian. Well, indeeed. Contrast this with the statement from the Green councillors in Lewisham below issued today as a press release to local papers.
Surprise as Climate Camp chooses Green Party stronghold
Lewisham's Green Party councillors have welcomed news that the 2009 Climate Camp has chosen Blackheath, the borough's famous green space, as its temporary home.
The venue was announced at the last minute this afternoon in a text message sent to activists around the country.
Lewisham is the Green Party's stronghold in London, with the largest group of Green councillors and a chance of electing the country's first Green MP at the next election in the Lewisham Deptford constituency. The party came second across the whole of Lewisham in this year's Euro-elections.
Cllr Darren Johnson, Green parliamentary candidate for Lewisham Deptford, said:
"We're really proud Climate Camp chose Lewisham as its base for communicating its hugely important and positive message.
"The campers have promised to be good neighbours and we are confident the heath will be left just as it was found. I'd urge local people to visit the site, see it for themselves and perhaps even pick up new skills at the camp's packed programme of workshops."
Cllr Sue Luxton, Green Party councillor for Ladywell added:
"Many may ask why, but it makes sense - Lewisham is the London area most likely to return a Green MP at the next election and has more Green councillors than any other. And Blackheath has a proud history of forward-thinking, grassroots people's movements going back to Wat Tyler's Peasant Revolt.
Romayne Phoenix, Green Party parliamentary candidate for Lewisham West, said:
"I will certainly be visiting the camp, and I expect to find a creative, family-friendly and inspiring atmosphere. While I want Green MPs elected, this kind of direct action is just as vital to a healthy democracy. I urge the police to keep their word by not harassing the campers or using heavy-handed tactics against what is a peaceful event."
Lewisham's Green Party councillors have welcomed news that the 2009 Climate Camp has chosen Blackheath, the borough's famous green space, as its temporary home.
The venue was announced at the last minute this afternoon in a text message sent to activists around the country.
Lewisham is the Green Party's stronghold in London, with the largest group of Green councillors and a chance of electing the country's first Green MP at the next election in the Lewisham Deptford constituency. The party came second across the whole of Lewisham in this year's Euro-elections.
Cllr Darren Johnson, Green parliamentary candidate for Lewisham Deptford, said:
"We're really proud Climate Camp chose Lewisham as its base for communicating its hugely important and positive message.
"The campers have promised to be good neighbours and we are confident the heath will be left just as it was found. I'd urge local people to visit the site, see it for themselves and perhaps even pick up new skills at the camp's packed programme of workshops."
Cllr Sue Luxton, Green Party councillor for Ladywell added:
"Many may ask why, but it makes sense - Lewisham is the London area most likely to return a Green MP at the next election and has more Green councillors than any other. And Blackheath has a proud history of forward-thinking, grassroots people's movements going back to Wat Tyler's Peasant Revolt.
Romayne Phoenix, Green Party parliamentary candidate for Lewisham West, said:
"I will certainly be visiting the camp, and I expect to find a creative, family-friendly and inspiring atmosphere. While I want Green MPs elected, this kind of direct action is just as vital to a healthy democracy. I urge the police to keep their word by not harassing the campers or using heavy-handed tactics against what is a peaceful event."
Well by their deeds (and sometimes words) ye shall judge them. The Lib Dems have shown themselves up again as the voice of vacillation and being unable to support people seeking real change. Nick Clegg should tell them at their next conference: "Go back to your constituencies and prepare for whinging" as David Steel once told them many years ago to prepare for government. Soggy, wet and pathetic. Again the Greens have demonstated that they are party prepared to stand with the people against the corporations and those who would utterly destroy our planet.
It sounds like they are concerned for the residents they represent as councillors – I hope they will come to see the camp in a positive light. ‘We hope that both the Protesters and Police alike act with respect for the local community’ not an unreasonable request. Just as there are Greens who support nuclear power there are Liberal Democrat councillors who don’t always go along with everything the national party does. Liberal Democrat MPs will be supporting the camp.
ReplyDeleteSeems the story is wrong... A bit of negative campaigning… wonder who could be behind that?
ReplyDeleteDoes beg the question; do Greens actually want Lib Dem support for Climate Camp or are they only interesting in political point scoring?
Lewisham Liberal Democrat councillors have issued the following eminently reasonable statement on the Climate Camp at Blackheath:
"There has been a bit of a misunderstanding about the camp and the Liberal Democrat attitude to it.
There are real concerns about the damage that may be caused to Blackheath which we feel sure all would agree is a precious open space. However we remain confident that the Climate Change camp organisers will protect the local environment, and we are sure the police will have learnt from the G20 demonstrations back in May.
Lets make sure that over a Bank holiday weekend everyone can enjoy Blackheath and can use the opportunity to share ideas and learn more about how we deal with the pressures of climate change."
"spend money in local shops, be nice, & don't frighten the horses."
Joseph: thanks for posting our press release, but please remove our mobile numbers - we don't normally publish those on the web. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSorry Sue, have done that.
ReplyDeleteDave, I was going on reports in the Guardian. Clearly the councillors saw sense or got a telling off from HQ.
or the Guardian misquoted/quoted out of context, the councillors. Has the Guardian's coverage of Green Party internal elections been scrupulously fair? http://bit.ly/CmbCo
ReplyDelete