Statement from GL re Birmingham Hall Green Constituency
The Steering Committee of Green Left voted unanimously last night to support the following statement. We believe that in this week of the failed New Labour conference and following on from last Saturday's Convention of the Left in Brighton, it is a significant step in the direction of forging a new progressive and Left unity in British politics.
“Green Left calls upon our fellow Greens in Birminghamnot not to stand a candidate in the constituency of Birmingham Hall Green in the coming general election in order to give a strong, progressive and environmentally aware candidate the chance of taking the seat. We believe that Salma Yaqoob of Respect is the candidate most likely to do this and her victory would be a victory for all those opposing the policies of privatisation, war, greed, racism and environmental destruction.
We believe that this is an opportunity for the progressive movement in Birmingham to unite behind one candidate and not to make the mistakes of the European election, where a divided Left opened the way to the election of racists and bigots. For the benefit of the people of Birmingham and of radical politics in this country we ask the Green Party in Birmingham to stand aside and not to oppose Salma Yaqoob. We are firmly of the belief that this will benefit both the Green and progressive movements in this country and send out a signal that we are serious in challenging the neo-liberal economic policies of the three main parties as well as Fascism and racism.”
Joseph Healy
Co-Convenor Green Left
We believe that this is an opportunity for the progressive movement in Birmingham to unite behind one candidate and not to make the mistakes of the European election, where a divided Left opened the way to the election of racists and bigots. For the benefit of the people of Birmingham and of radical politics in this country we ask the Green Party in Birmingham to stand aside and not to oppose Salma Yaqoob. We are firmly of the belief that this will benefit both the Green and progressive movements in this country and send out a signal that we are serious in challenging the neo-liberal economic policies of the three main parties as well as Fascism and racism.”
Joseph Healy
Co-Convenor Green Left
Ultimately the local Green Party's decision of course, but their money might be better spent focussing on Selly Oak constituency and Bourneville (if that's still their target ward). As far as I can tell, Greens only contested Selly Oak and Edgbaston last time round, so unless they have a determined strategy to stand a full slate across Birmingham, it would seem strange to choose to stand in Hall Green all of a sudden. RESPECT backed the Greens in the Euros in the West Midlands and North West as well of course, and it would be churlish not to acknowledge that. If RESPECT agreed to urge their supporters in Selly Oak and/or Birmingham Edgbaston to vote Green, this might help, and could certainly help Greens save a deposit or two.
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