Greens to Celebrate Election Breakthrough and Serve Notice on 'Politics-as-usual'
Sat., October 25, 2003. 00:00.
In a celebratory speech to the Scottish Green Party's first conference since its historic breakthrough in this year's election, Robin Harper MSP will set out challenges for a greener Scotland and for the renewal of radical democracy.
The ground-breaking Green MSP in 1999, and now member of the largest of the fresh parties in the Parliament with 7 MSPs, said: 'Our election success fills me with great hope for the future - what an achievement, what an opportunity, and what challenges we have before us. I have no doubt that our influence and impact will continue to grow.'
Mr Harper, will describe 'old-style' political parties as the real 'single issue' parties - more concerned with short term political gain than decisive action for long term progress. He will argue that the Greens offer Scots both a radical and practical agenda for change.
Harper, principal speaker for the Green Group of MSPs, added, 'The politics-as-usual response to the challenges faced by people today is being exposed as simply not good enough. We want longer term thinking and more radical action. Serious politics should make the links between care for the environment, the health and welfare of the people and growing a better economy and sustainable way of life that is sustainable for this generation, and for the next. Our agenda is urgent, practical and reasonable.'
Mr Harper will reinforce the core green values of environmental wisdom, justice, equality, radical democracy and non-violence and set out how the seven MSPs will aim to influence Scottish politics in the next four year term.
He will highlight campaign commitments in the Green manifesto aimed at securing basic rights and needs for a decent quality of life: from securing clean water free of fluoride, facing up to waste reduction and addressing the threat of the nuclear industry to revitalising rural communities and tackling congestion in cities. He will highlight the tens of thousands of jobs potential in renewable energy.
He will highlight the threat posed by climate change, pollution and mass over-consumption and depletion of the earth's resources. He will underline the Greens commitment to campaign for legislation on GM as just one of a series of Green initiatives over the next four years. Others include campaigning for a Warm Homes Bill and he will describe the Greens proposals for Civil Partnerships legislation as a statement of intent on its commitment to equality and justice.
Mr Harper added: 'Part of our role as Green MSPs will be to keep the other parties to their word and expose their contradictions. We will put forward our own proposals for laws where others fail to act and demand more ambitious and decisive leadership where it flags. We will be vigilant in our role as the conscience of the parliament and expose the difference between rhetoric and reality.'
Notes to Editors:
1. To obtain more conference details call 07887 682574
2. The Scottish Green Party's main annual conference and annual general meeting will be on 25th & 26th October in Edinburgh. The overall theme is 'Green Challenges'. Key sessions will focus on 'Challenges for a Green Scotland, Challenges for the Greens in Europe and Challenges for Green Politics.
The venue is the Rudolf Steiner School in Merchiston, Edinburgh. For a map and to register contact: conference@scottishgreens.co.uk
The programme includes keynote speeches from leading greens, the formal AGM, when office-bearers are elected; and opportunities for discussions on policy and strategy. There will be exhibitions and fringe meetings from some of Scotland's leading campaigners.
Outline programme:
Saturday, 25th October
10.00 - 7.00pm (including AGM) Registration and coffee / tea and short session for new members 10.10 Robin Harper opening address Setting the Challenge
Other keynote addresses and sessions
- Looking Forward to a Green Europe: Nuala Ahern MEP
- Challenges for a Green Scotland: Duncan McLaren, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland and Patrick Harvie MSP.
- Challenges for Green Politics: Mark Ballard MSP and Alex Lawrie, author of 'Empowering the Earth' and green activist.
Fringe meetings at lunchtime
Sunday, 26th October
Opens 9.30am
Constitutional/Policy motions and workshops on a range of topics: including environmental justice; policy development; membership and local party development; party organisation and future directions for green politics 3.30pm Priorities for the year ahead: chaired by Chris Ballance MSP 4.30pm Summing up, Eleanor Scott MSP.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.