Greens use Earth Day to promise Lambeth Country Show return and a ‘cleaner, greener borough’
Green parties across London have used Earth Day to set out their environmental pledges ahead of May’s local elections, with Lambeth’s 28-page manifesto promising large-scale tree planting, urban rewilding, a …
Black News 
Green parties across London have used Earth Day to set out their environmental pledges ahead of May’s local elections, with Lambeth’s 28-page manifesto promising large-scale tree planting, urban rewilding, a carbon budget and free bulky waste collection to tackle fly-tipping.
The party’s environmental plans also include investment in retrofitting and insulation, support for local energy production, clean air clauses in council contracts, and the restoration of neglected public green spaces.
But the manifesto (see link at end of article) goes much further than the environment, with housing at its heart. The Greens are pledging to prioritise repairs, pause estate demolitions, build council homes directly and make a bid for funds from the Mayor of London’s £11.7bn affordable housing programme.
They would bring back the Lambeth Country Show, restore lost nightlife venues, and overhaul the consultations and complaints process.
It also promises to end what it calls the ‘outsourcing rip off’, introduce community budget setting, and run a campaign to encourage workers and renters to join trade unions and tenants’ unions. The manifesto also commits to reversing the ban on discussing topics including Gaza at council meetings.
Lambeth’s Green membership has grown to just under 3,000, and various polling models show the party within touching distance of taking the borough on 7th May.
Scott Ainslie, leader of Lambeth Greens, said:
“This manifesto sets out a plan for hope, community and progress. For the first ever time, the Green Party is preparing to run Lambeth, and we are ready.” – Scott Ainslie, leader Lambeth Green Party.
Sabine Mairey (above), candidate for Clapham Town, said:
“Everyone has the right to a decent, affordable home. We will back and empower tenants and renters.” – Sabine Mairey, candidate for Clapham Town.
“Lambeth Greens will put ourselves at the heart of a nationwide fight to stop and reverse austerity. We’ll organise, and build alliances with unions and grassroots campaigns.” – Michael Chessum, candidate in Brixton Acre Lane
Elizabeth Fraser (above), candidate for Knight’s Hill, said:
“I am proud to be standing for a party that knows where it stands.
On migrants’ rights, anti-racism, LGBT equality, and justice in Palestine and across the world, we know which side we’re on.” – Elizabeth Fraser, candidate for Knight’s Hill.
