For Fresh, Honest Politics - Go Green as Mainstream Parties Branded 'Singleissue'- Harper Concludes Green Conference
Sun., October 31, 2004. 00:00.
[embed=../../../images/conf_convenors_medium.jpg]Photo of Shiona and Robin[/embed]In an upbeat closing speech at the Greens' 2004 conference in Dundee today, Robin Harper, newly-elected co-convener, said that the Green party was the only party to offer a fresh, honest political vision for Scotland.
Harper emphasised the conference's theme of 'reaching out' - that the Greens were the only party to connect the environment and quality of life, with the economy and social justice. Over the weekend conference Greens launched a campaign for a 'Food Revolution', spelt out a vision for a sustainable economy and heard contributions from prominent guest speakers, Bill Speirs from the STUC and food writer Joanna Blythman.
Harper branded Labour, Lib Dems, SNP and Tories as the real single-issue parties for placing corporations before communities. He pointed to Jack McConnell for breaking promises on protecting communities from more landfill sites, and to the Libdems for supporting GM crops.
Mr Harper said: 'This hugely successful conference is a strong sign that our party is moving up a gear.
'Our food campaign had a ringing endorsement and resonated clearly with commentators. Our vision of a sustainable economy struck a chord during a very honest and challenging, not to mention humourous speech, from Bill Speirs.
'This weekend we have confirmed our willingness to engage with civil society and our status as a genuine choice for voters who want fresh, honest politics based on a healthy economy, and social and environmental justice.'
Mr Harper concluded, 'Here in Scotland we suffer an Executive that seems hell bent on going nowhere, slowly. Their measure of economic progress does not make any real link with social progress or environmental sustainability and is a narrow minded commitment to consume as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Our vision puts people and planet first, and a sustainable economy before corporate shareholdings.'
For further information call the Scottish Green Party press office on 07909 933074 or 0771 761 8771.
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.