Green Humanism v New Labour Cruelty

Scenes of the closure of the makeshift refugee camp in Calais today shown on BBC News are truly shocking. Many of those being taken away are crying and devastated. It is a human tragedy. The heartlessness of Alan Johnson and his remarks show how far New Labour has gone in aping the BNP and their agenda. Caroline Lucas's humane and progressive statement stands out in marked contrast.

NEWS RELEASE
From the office of South-East England’s Green MEP Caroline Lucas

22 September 2009

GREEN EURO-MP VOICES DISGUST AT ‘INHUMANE’ RAID ON CALAIS MIGRANT CAMP

- British and French governments’ plot to deport ‘Jungle’ asylum seekers breaks EU human rights law, says Green Party leader

Green MEP for the South East, Caroline Lucas, today responded angrily to news that French police have raided the ‘Jungle’ camps in Calais, reportedly detaining 278 people – 132 children of whom are said to be children (1).

Police have swooped on a squalid tented area known as ‘The Jungle’ outside Calais, home to hundreds of refugees and migrants from war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq or Somalia. Around a fifth of them are thought to be children, living in desperate and dangerous conditions, sleeping rough, with little access to sanitation or resources.

Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MEP said:

“Today’s mass clearance and destruction of the ‘Jungle’ camps by the French authorities, involving the detention of hundreds of refugees, is simply unacceptable – and must be condemned by the international community.

“Rather than fulfilling their responsibilities to seekers of asylum under both EU and international law, the French and British governments are turning a blind eye to the suffering taking place on their own doorsteps. Home Secretary Alan Johnson‘s glee in the wake of this aggressive police raid is particularly disturbing.

“The plan for mass deportations of these refugees rides roughshod over the European Convention on Human Rights, the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Geneva Convention. And given that so many facing expulsion are children, the plans may also breach the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"This short term ‘solution’ is not only inhumane – it will not work. The French are not playing their part in allowing people to claim asylum in Calais, and must commit to making the official procedures for seeking asylum more accessible to those in need. Equally, other EU Member states must recognise their duty to share the responsibility.”

The majority of refugees in the ‘Jungle’ have had no contact with official authorities since entering the EU. Many face a risk of deportation before they have even been interviewed in order to determine whether they are seeking asylum and are, therefore, protected by EU asylum law. They are also often at the mercy of ruthless people traffickers within the camps.

Caroline Lucas MEP concluded:

“Many migrants into France and the UK are fleeing in part from the dire consequences of the West’s foreign policy mistakes in Iraq and Afghanistan. Given this reality, you would hope that these governments would take their responsibilities to the international community more seriously.

“It is disgusting that vulnerable people from some of the world’s most troubled countries are treated so inhumanely on European soil. Many residents in the camps are genuine asylum-seekers and not illegal immigrants. It is crucial that those people fleeing persecution and war have free access to the correct information so that they know they can make a genuine claim for asylum.”

In a letter to the European Commission back in July, the UK’s Green MEPs called for an immediate suspension of plans to deport around 1,800 individuals from the ‘Jungle’, warning that the planned action – being taken jointly by the French and British authorities under the Evian Agreement – would be in direct breach of EU and international law on human rights and refugees.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1) http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/hundreds-of-police-clear-calais-migrant-camp-1791269.html

A previous attempt at a mass deportation was overruled by the European Court of Human Rights on the grounds that the operation would contravene the European Declaration on Human Rights, as well as the trilateral agreement signed in 2002 by UNHCR with the Afghan and French governments, which stipulates that "the return of Afghans who do not enjoy protection… will be carried out in a gradual, ordered and humane way.

For more information on the work of Dr Lucas MEP, please contact Melissa Freeman on 0207 407 9935 / 07950 382149 or carolinepress@greenmeps.org.uk

http://www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk/


Melissa Freeman
Media Officer to Caroline Lucas MEP
Suite 58
The Hop Exchange
24 Southwark Street
London SE1 1TY
Office: 020 7407 9935
Mobile: 07950 382149
Email: carolinepress@greenmeps.org.uk

Bolivia and Spain

While in Spain last week I watched a press conference between President Morales of Bolivia and Prime Minister Zapatero of Spain. Morales was clear about his views on the United States and saw Spain as a key player in handling contacts between Latin America and Europe. This should come as no surprise, as not only is Spain the traditional colonial power in the region, with linguistic, cultural and historical ties, but now there are many thousands of Latin American immigrants living in Spain, many of whom have EU passports because their grandparents were European immigrants. An example of this is the large Argentinian community there, many of whom hold Italian passports.

One of the highlights of the press conference was an announcement by Zapatero that Spain was cancelling its debt with Bolivia.Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said 60% of the amount will be cancelled outright and 40% deposited into a fund for education projects. Zapatero told a joint press conference with Morales the deal was part of Spain's "commitment to the development of Bolivia and Bolivians" which will also include "a major training programme for young people." I think this is an excellent and real example of a European state carrying out its responsibility towards the developing and poorer nations.

Morales was due to discuss the upcoming nationalization of Bolivia's electricity sector, in which several Spanish companies have stakes.

An agreement was also to be signed to allow Bolivian residents in Spain and Spaniards in Bolivia to vote in each others' municipal elections.
Before beginning his official visit, Morales presided over a rally of some 7,000 Bolivians in Leganes near Madrid , pledging to fight for the legalization of undocumented Bolivian immigrants in Spain.
"When Spaniards and Europeans arrived in America, our grandparents never said they were illegal," he told an ecstatic crowd.
Only 98,000 of Spain's estimated 250,000 Bolivians are legally in the country.
The rally was seen as having a strong electoral flavour, as Bolivians resident in Spain are allowed to vote in the December 6 presidential and legislative elections.
The visit was Morales' first to Spain as head of state.

Naturally questions about President Chavez of Venezuela came up also at the press conference. Morales made it clear that he is standing as an ally of Venezuela and that Colombia's actions are provocative. Colombia is the main ally of the US in Latin America and its armed forces are the largest and have received considerable financial support from the US. Zapatero, for his part, in an attempt to be conciliatory, said that Latin America needed to be united and that only as a united region could it be influential. Morales has been particularly incensed about the decision by Colombia to allow the US to have military bases on its territory.

Morales has made quite an impression in Spain as the first indigenous Latin American president and is clearly speaking out also for Latin American immigrants in Europe. Spain is about to introduce its fourth major legal change in immigration laws in the last few years, largely as a response to the mounting level of unemployment in the country.

Colombia's actions in Latin America are increasingly bellicose and are leading to concerns from Bolivia and Venezuela that some military action is in the pipeline. The role of US bases in Latin America is a very topical one at present, although the situation has improved under Obama. However, this latest deal with Colombia will lead to increased tension. Progressive Europeans must support progressive presidents such as Morales against militarisation and economic hegemony.

There is an interesting article on the mounting tension in the region in Green Left Weekly http://www.greenleft.org.au/2009/811/41736

Time and tide

Yes back after a holiday on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, it is time to take stock and add up the dates. Holidays are a time for reflection and relaxation but there is always a return to business. In Spain there was much talk of 'El Crisis' - the economic meltdown - with insults and accusations flying in the Cortes (the Spanish parliament) between the Socialist government and the Partido Popular (Conservative) opposition. A major economic thinktank is predicting unemployment levels of 20% for Spain by next year. I remember when Ireland had levels of 25% in the 80s when I was in my early twenties and the social misery it caused. Unemployment here too continues to mount.

Last week in the Independent a political journalist claimed that Labour ministers had told him that the general election would happen in April, with parliament being dissolved in March. This may indeed be the case with the clock ticking and time running out for the present government. Their only hope now is that there will be an economic miracle before the spring - but that is most unlikely.

Time is also running out for NATO in Afghanistan. Today General Mc Chrystle warns of a military failure unless more troops from Europe are sent soon. In the interim the allegations of electoral fraud there increase daily, while the death of six Italian troops last week has led to mounting concern in Italy and in Germany, where the issue has moved to the centre of the general election due on Sunday.

Yesterday I helped with the Lambeth Green Party stall at the Urban Green Fair in Brockwell Park, run by Shane Collins of the Green Party and many other environmental activists. The stalls and tents contained many different organistations, all campaigning to save the planet and the local area before time runs out. One of the regular questions at the stall was "when are the elections?"

Today is the equinox. The end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Seasons move on and the days grow shorter. Hopes grow and dim over the Copenhagen Climate Summit - reports already indicate that the US is not going to go as far as the EU and the Green movement hoped.

Meanwhile the planet warms. The bankers continue to collect their bonuses. The arms manufacturers and the soldiers both carry on. The general election draws nearer and the lists of promises grow longer. The Lib Dems engage in some form of political sadomasochism - "No, we will be more savage than them and remove more public services." The spirit of Thatcherism and Gradgrindism persists. "It was the best of times and it was the worst of times."

The icecap melts at the Arctic. The shadows lengthen. Time and tide wait for no man, nor for any movement. Is it too late? What must be done? The nettle must be grasped and a different better world fought for. The clock ticks. It is for this that one strives against all the odds and the naysayers.

Bronwen Maher's speech

Just realised that I forgot to post former Irish Green councillor Browen's Maher's speech which she delivered to the Green Left fringe at conference. Bronwen hails from Dublin as I do.

See http://bronwenmaher.wordpress.com for a full version of the speech.

Conference feedback

Back from conference in Hove last night and feeling really hopeful but exhausted. The two Green Left fringes were really exceptional, only let down by the fact that Jeremy Corbyn MP was unable to attend the Afghanistan one but his place was taken by Tom Willis from Sussex University Students Union and Stop the War Coalition activist. Farid Bakht also gave an excellent presentation.

This was followed on Friday by the motion on the war which reiterated the party's support for an immediate withdrawal of UK forces from Afghanistan and for NATO forces to follow. It also called for a peace conference and the protection of the rights of refugees and minorities in Afghanistan. As Caroline Lucas said in her speech on Friday "we are a bold party with bold policies" and it is clear that we are now the main anti-war party along with Respect. I proposed the motion and was very happy to see it passed nem con and as the party's national delegate to Stop the War Coalition I will be reporting back on this. I also reminded the conference of the major demonstration in London on October 24th against the war in Afghanistan organised by Stop the War and others.

The Green Left fringe on the green coalition experience on Saturday with former Irish Green councillor Bronwen Maher was also fascinating and I was the other speaker. Thanks to second generation Irish Councillor Romayne Phoenix from Lewisham for chairing it. Bronwen publicised the event in Ireland beforehand and it has received extensive coverage in the Irish press. The text of Bronwen's speech is to be found here

I also attended the Green Party Trade Union Group fringe on Welfare and Low Pay and was proud to propose an emergency motion on behalf of the Group supporting the efforts of trade unions to organise migrant workers and deploring the removal of cleaners from Latin America working at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London last June with the connivance of the management after it became clear that the cleaners had unionised. The motion also praised those student activists who occupied SOAS for days and secured a promise that nothing like that would happen again.

Another highlight for me was the meeting organised by the Equality Trust indicating the strength of the economic and environmenal argument that more equal societies are not only healthier and less violent but also more ecologically aware. The research presented demonstrates clearly that social justice and environmental concerns must go hand in hand.

Caroline Lucas's speech on the need to transform UK politics also first class.

Good to see some good candidates elected on to the Executive and various committees - congratulations especially to my Green Left colleagues and friends Andy Hewett and Farid Bakht/Phelim Mac Cafferty who were elected to the posts of Campaigns and International Coordinators respectively (the latter being a job share).

The party's policy on Israel and Palestine was also updated and I took part in the workshop on that.

I opposed the motion on the recall of MPs because I believe that it will be used essentially by right wing press and populist movements to deselect MPs who have a radical or leftwing agenda, as happened in California with Schwarzenegger. The motion was passed but I believe that an amendment is necessary to ensure that any such recall mechanism was not used for such purposes but only on grounds of illegal or inappropriate behaviour. I am quite fearful of the power of populist movements at present - witness the fuss around Esther Rantzen when nobody knows what her policies are - just that she is well known and agin the sitting MP.

It was good to see old friends at conference and get to know new ones. The Green awards at the end of conference is an excellent innovation and I was glad to see Cllr Romayne Phoenix win one for 'Green Campaigner' which she most certainly has been over the last year. I also have an award to deliver to fellow Lambeth member Remco Van der Stroep for organising the European election campaign bus tour in London.

I am now off on a well earned holiday for ten days and shall resume blogging on my return. The TUC conference next week promises to offer more interesting news and the Labour Party and Lib Dem conferences are soon to follow.

Conference 2009

I will be setting off to Hove this evening to attend the Green Party conference and will be especially involved in several fringes organised by Green Left, as well as proposing a motion on Afghanistan calling for immediate withdrawal of British troops.

Unfortunately I will arrive too late and miss the Standing Order Committee's report on the disputed internal election, which will be held this afternoon. Last night I chaired a meeting of Lambeth Green Party, and it was very much the view of the members there (very few of whom are attending conference) that the ballot for the External Communications post should be extended to all the membership and they felt quite aggrieved about the ERO's decision, so we will see what happens.

I will be chairing a Green Left fringe meeting tonight on Afghanistan with Jeremy Corbyn (Labour MP for Islington and Officer for Stop the War Coalition) and Farid Bakht (Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Bethnal Green & Bow) both speaking. Also for the first time, Stop the War Coalition will have a stall at conference, which is especially apt as this issue moves more and more to the central political agenda. Tomorrow I will be proposing a motion calling for withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and a regional peace settlement.

There is also a motion on health spending (that UK health expenditure must remain at the EU average) and I am proposing a motion that this be at Western European average rather than the low levels of expenditure found in some Eastern European states. This again is very relevant as many of the meetings I have had with NHS officials over the last few months have made it clear that there will be a total freeze on health spending from 2011 and possibly severe cuts.

I am also speaking at a Green Left fringe on Saturday, together with former Irish Green Party councillor, Bronwen Maher, about what has happened since the Irish Greens entered the coalition with Fianna Fail two years ago. The meeting is on Greens in coalition and the Irish experience. Needless to say, both of us are very opposed to what the Irish Greens have been doing there.

There is also a fascinating panel discussion on 'Just Transition' which is the idea that harmful and non-sustainable industrial production can be turned around to useful and sustainable, thus protecting jobs and creating green industries. Caroline Lucas will be speaking at that, together with several trade union activists. And the Trade Union Group, whose Treasurer I am, will be hodling a fringe meeting on Saturday on 'Welfare and Low Pay' with several experts in this area including the party's Disability Spokesperson. This is a really important issue with the government's current savage attacks on welfare - likely to be further cut by an incoming Tory administration - and the numbers of people now unemployed.

I will also, of course, take part in discussions on many other motions, including some important organisational ones, as well as voting for candidates for the new Green Party Executive and committees. I am unlikely to have time to blog, so will try and do an update on my return from conference on Sunday. I will also be meeting many people whom I have not seen for a few months at least, and in some cases over a year.

Whoopi speaks out for Budapest Pride

Last year while in Vienna on holiday, I spotted the local newspapers full of horrendous photos of far Right thugs attacking the marchers at Budapest Pride. Budapest Pride will be held again this coming weekend and so far 13 embassies in Hungary have sent their support. Along with them Whoopi Goldberg has sent a message of support - good for you Whoopi.

http://www.budapestpride.hu/en/whoopi-goldberg-speaks-out-to-hungary

The recent European elections showed a large increase in the Far Right vote in Hungary and there have been visible signs of their increasing influence. Along with Whoopi Goldberg I give my full support and that of the Green Party to those taking part in Budapest Pride. I hope that all goes well and that the Hungarian authorities and Budapest police do all they can to ensure that the event passes off peacefully.

There is no room for homophobic violence in Hungary and in the new states of the European Union. I will also be asking other European Green parties and our MEPs to ensure the safety and rights of Hungarian and EU citizens taking part in Budapest Pride. Fascism and homophobia should have no breathing space in either London or Budapest.