Leading trade unionist and health campaigner calls for a Green Party vote

As a health activist and trade unionist I know Geoff Martin and have seen him speak at many campaiging meetings about saving the NHS in London. Geoff is also the Chair of London Health Emergency. But his reward for speaking out against Labour's plans for the NHS meant that he was expelled from the party and also as the Convenor of UNISON in London. I am also a UNISON member and recognise Geoff's heroic fight to save public services and the NHS in London. The Green Party Trade Union Group, of which I am Treasurer, welcomes Geoff's comments. Geoff's statement is below. Geoff is now an officer of the RMT union.

"Geoff Martin, Labour's parliamentary candidate in Sutton and Cheam in 1992 and a leading campaigner in the fight to save services at St Helier Hospital today called on local voters to back Sutton's Green Candidate Peter Hickson.

Geoff Martin, who lives in Sutton and who was expelled by the Labour Party last year, said: "Voters sick and tired of the spin and sleaze of the main Parties have a real choice in this election and I would urge them to vote for the Green candidate Peter Hickson and give the political elite a real kick up the backside.

The Greens oppose privatisation of services like the NHS and support workers rights and decent pay and pensions. I would call on all trade unionists and socialists to make a positive decision and give Peter Hickson and the Green Party your vote.

The Labour Party is dead in the water and traditional Labour voters who feel badly let down by 13 years of Blair and Brown have a real alternative in  the Greens. My advice is don't stay at home getting angry on May 6th - get down the polling station and vote for Greens."



Notes for editors:

Geoff Martin was Labour's parliamentary candidate in Sutton and Cheam in 1992. A high profile trade unionist who was UNISON convenor for a decade, he was expelled by Labour last year after 30 years as a member. He was prominent in the long fight to save services at St.Helier hospital, Carshalton; and is currently a national officer of the RMT.